Congress Shooting Live Updates: Man Asked About Republicans Or Democrats During Alexandria Baseball Practice
Update: 5:21 p.m. EDT— Representative Roger Williams (R-Texas) stressed the importance of playing the annual Congressional baseball game after a gunman opened fire Wednesday at a Republican baseball practice, injuring five people, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and one of Williams' staffers.
"This is America, the greatest country in the world. If you punch us, we will punch back. And we're going to play baseball tomorrow," he said at a news conference.
Scalise is reportedly in critical condition after exiting surgery Wednesday and his colleagues reportedly plan to wear the gear of his alma mater, Louisiana State University, to honor him at the game Thursday night.
The 66-year-old suspected gunman, James Hodgkinson, had posted anti-Donald Trump and anti-GOP messages to social media. He died from injuries he sustained in a police shootout.
.@RepRWilliams: "This is America...If you punch us, we will punch back. And we're going to play baseball tomorrow." https://t.co/L3sgoBT6GD pic.twitter.com/K2wSJdjRHb
— ABC News (@ABC) June 14, 2017
Update: 4:50 p.m. EDT— President Donald Trump does not plan to attend the annual Congressional baseball game Thursday following a mass shooting Wednesday at a Republican baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia that left at least five injured, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, who is reportedly in critical condition.
Trump would not attend "due to security concerns," ABC News' Karen Travers tweeted.
The suspected gunman, 66-year-old James Hodgkinson, had posted a number of anti-Trump and anti-GOP rants to social media. Hodgkinson died from injuries sustained during a shootout with police.
The other victims of the shooting, including two Capitol Police officers, were expected to survive. It had previously been reported that Scalise was stable and had sustained non-life-threatening injuries, but the hospital later tweeted a statement saying he had been critically injured and remained in critical condition after exiting surgery.
Travers also tweeted that Vice President Mike Pence was not expected to attended the annual Congressional baseball game because of previously planned travel.
NEW: Trump will NOT attend congressional baseball game Thurs at Nats Park due to security concerns - from @ABC's @JordynPhelps @KFaulders
— Karen Travers (@karentravers) June 14, 2017
VP Pence also not attending baseball game because of previously planned travel
— Karen Travers (@karentravers) June 14, 2017
Update: 4:15 p.m. EDT—After a mass shooting Wednesday left at least five injured at a Congressional Republican baseball practice, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle reportedly plan to wear Lousiana State University (LSU) gear at Thursday's Congressional baseball game to honor their colleague who was shot, reported ABC News. Scalise, who is reportedly in critical condition after surgery, attended LSU.
MaryAlice Parks of ABC News tweeted the Representative Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) came up with the plan.
.@RogerMarshallMD's staff is organizing https://t.co/pwbiAsrk49
— MaryAlice Parks (@maryaliceparks) June 14, 2017
Update: 3:58 p.m. EDT— The FBI called for folks to come forward if they have information regarding the suspected shooter who opened fire Wednesday at a Congressional Republican baseball practice, injuring at least five people, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, who is reportedly in critical condition.
The FBI confirmed the gunman was 66-year-old James Hodgkinson, who died of injuries sustained in a shootout with police.
"The FBI is actively investigating Hodgkinson, to include his associates, whereabouts, social media impressions, and potential motivations. This is an active investigation that continues to unfold," the bureau said in a statement. "Individuals who have information regarding Hodgkinson should call the FBI 24-hour access line at 1-800-CALL-FBI and select option 1."
#BREAKING: FBI issues joint statement on #Alexandria shooting: https://t.co/2UUpUjw2k2
— FBI Washington Field (@FBIWFO) June 14, 2017
Update: 3:48 p.m. EDT— Just hours after a shooting Wednesday at a Congressional Republican baseball practice injured House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, the office of Representative Claudia Tenney (R-New York) said it had received an email with the subject line "One down, 216 to go…" in an apparent reference to the number of Republicans in the House of Representatives.
"Do you NOT expect this?" the body of the email read, according to multiple reports. "When you take away ordinary peoples very lives in order to pay off the wealthiest among us, your own lives are forfeit. Certainly, your souls and morality were lost long before. Good riddance."
At least five people were injured in the attack at the Alexandria, Virginia baseball field where Republicans were practicing for the annual Congressional baseball game scheduled for Thursday. The alleged gunman, who died after a shootout with police, had posted anti-Donald Trump and anti-GOP messages to social media.
Congressional baseball shooting suspect James Hodgkinson volunteered for Sanders and petitioned to impeach Trump https://t.co/rxJB0BpDEb pic.twitter.com/C7NstLieGM
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) June 14, 2017
Update: 3:34 p.m. EDT— Following a shooting Wednesday at a Congressional Republican baseball practice, Representative Erick Paulsen (R-Minnesota) said the injuries sustained by House Majority Whip Steve Scalise "could be a little more extensive than originally reported," according to a tweet from Tom Crann of Minnesota Public Radio. The hospital where Scalise is being treated previously tweeted that the lawmaker was in critical condition after surgery.
Previous reports suggested Scalise had suffered non-life-threatening injuries. He was one of at least five people injured after a gunman opened fire Wednesday morning at an Alexandria, Virginia baseball field. The suspected shooter was apprehended by police and later died of injuries sustained in a shootout with officers.
on now: @RepErikPaulsen on the condition of Rep. Steve Scalise: injuries "could be a little more extensive than originally reported."
— Tom Crann, MPR News (@TomCrann) June 14, 2017
Rep. Scalise was critically injured and remains in critical condition. The other patient is in good condition.
— MedStar Washington (@MedStarWHC) June 14, 2017
Update: 3:20 p.m. EDT— The former mayor of Alexandria, Virginia said he had interacted every day with the suspected gunman who opened fire Wednesday at a baseball field in town as Congressional Republicans practiced, injuring at least five, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise. Former mayor Bill Euille told the Washington Post he had tried to help suspected shooter James Hodgkinson land a job after discovering the man was living out of his gym bag.
The suspected attacker died of injuries sustained as he was apprehended by police. Euille said he often reads in the lobby of the local YMCA, where he began to notice Hodgkinson, who was always there on his laptop.
"He was a very friendly person," Euille said to Post. "But what I did notice about this gentleman is he'd open up his gym bag and in it, he had everything he owned. He was living out of the gym bag. That, and he sat in the Y's lobby for hours and hours. Outside of myself, I don't think he knew anyone else in town."
Euille said he had talked to Hodgkinson, a 66-year-old from Illinois, every day for more than a month.
Update: 3:02 p.m. EDT— GOP Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel called for unity after a shooting at a Republican Congressional baseball practice Wednesday left at least five injured, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, who is reportedly in critical condition.
"The political environment has become too heated and it's my hope that today's tragedy will serve as a reminder to us all that first and foremost we're united as Americans—it's time to come together instead of tearing each other down," she said, in part, in a statement. "I think we can also all agree that we are blessed to have brave law enforcement officers who willingly put their lives on the line to keep us safe each and every day."
The suspected gunman, who died of injuries sustained in the incident, had reportedly posted rants on social media against President Donald Trump. Lawmakers said Wednesday that the suspected gunman asked them if the lawmakers at practice were Republican or Democratic before opening fire. The lawmakers were practicing for the annual Congressional baseball game scheduled for Thursday.
Update: 2:45 p.m. EDT— House Majority Whip Steve Scalise is in critical condition, according to a tweet from an account seemingly belonging to MedStar Washington Hospital, where the Republican lawmaker was being treated for injuries after being shot Wednesday in an attack at a Republican Congressional baseball practice. Previous reports had stated Scalise's injuries were not expected to be life threatening.
"Rep. Scalise was critically injured and remains in critical condition. The other patient is in good condition," the account tweeted.
The lawmaker and at least three others were injured after a gunman opened fire at the Alexandria, Virginia baseball field. The suspected attacker died from injuries he sustained in the incident, President Donald Trump said.
Rep. Scalise was critically injured and remains in critical condition. The other patient is in good condition.
— MedStar Washington (@MedStarWHC) June 14, 2017
JUST IN: MedStar Washington Hospital says Rep. Scalise is in “critical condition” following GOP baseball practice shooting in Virginia. pic.twitter.com/Cfl9j3snrL
— ABC News (@ABC) June 14, 2017
Scalise in critical condition, per the hospital.: https://t.co/GqbDHt7Vjb
— Karen Tumulty (@ktumulty) June 14, 2017
Update: 2:33 p.m. EDT— Lawmakers called for unity and toned-down political rhetoric in the wake of a shooting Wednesday at a Republican Congressional baseball practice that left House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and at least three others injured.
"But it's the major issues that lead to political discourse that has, in my opinion, has led to an uptick in just hateful, hateful rhetoric [on] all sides," Representative Rodney Davis (R-Illinois) said on Fox News. "I stand here today and say: Stop. We have to stop."
Representative Jack Bergman told Fox News this event would help lawmakers unify. "If anything, it's an event like this that makes us come closer together," he said.
Earlier Wednesday on the House floor, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan called for the same sort of togetherness. "We are united," Ryan said. "We are united in our shock. We are united in our anguish. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us."
The suspected gunman was apprehended by police and later died of his injuries.
.@RepJackBergman: "If anything, it's an event like this that makes us come closer together." pic.twitter.com/23aSVU5N0H
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 14, 2017
.@RodneyDavis on hateful political rhetoric: "I stand here today and say: Stop. We have to stop." pic.twitter.com/TzaggRhvqO
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 14, 2017
Update: 2:17 p.m. EDT—Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, an ally of President Donald Trump, said on Fox News Wednesday that an attack at a Republican congressional baseball practice was a part of a pattern of "an increasing intensity of hostility on the left."
"The intensity on the left is very real," Gingrich said, citing as an example the comedian Kathy Griffin, who held up a fake severed head of Trump.
The suspected shooter, who died of injuries sustained as he was apprehended by police, volunteered for Senator Bernie Sanders's presidential campaign and reportedly often posted anti-Trump messages on social media. The attack left at least four people injured, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise.
.@newtgingrich: @SteveScalise Shooting Is Part of a Pattern of 'Hostility on the Left'https://t.co/VL9XIWHGHg
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 14, 2017
Update: 2:03 p.m. EDT—Representative Steve Scalise is out of surgery after the House majority whip was injured in a shooting Wednesday at a Republican congressional baseball practice, according to CBS White House correspondent Mark Knoller.
Scalise was shot in the hip area after a gunman opened fire at the field in Arlington, Virginia, where the lawmakers were practing for the annual Congressional Baseball Game scheduled for Thursday. The suspected shooter has died from injuries sustained as he was detained by police.
Fellow congressman reports @SteveScalise out of surgery.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) June 14, 2017
Update: 1:39 p.m. EDT— Police reports on James Hodgkinson—the alleged gunman in an attack Wednesday at a Republican congressional baseball practice that left at least four injured—detailed a history of violence involving the 66-year-old man, the Daily Beast reported.
He was arrested in 2006 for punching a man's girlfriend and then firing a shotgun round at the man, the Daily Beast reported, citing a police report it reviewed. The report also said Hodgkinson was observed throwing his daughter across a bedroom and later hitting her after she broke free, according to the Daily Beast.
The suspected shooter died from injuries sustained as he was apprehended by police, President Donald Trump announced during a press conference. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and two Capitol Police officers were among the injured in the attack; all were expected to survive.
Police report said he was also “observed throwing” an unidentified female “around the bedroom” and hitting her https://t.co/DrlkCLbFrl
— The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) June 14, 2017
Update: 1:19 p.m. EDT—James Hodgkinson, the suspected shooter in an attack on a Republican Congressional baseball practice that left at least four injured, reportedly often posted anti-Donald-Trump messages to social media. The suspected shooter died of injuries sustained as he was apprehended by police.
"Trump is a Traitor. Trump Has Destroyed Our Democracy. It's Time to Destroy Trump & Co." Hodgkinson posted on his Facebook page in March, according to CNN. Such posts were reportedly not uncommon.
CNN reported investigators were looking into Hodgkinson's social media posts. The attack Wednesday injured House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, a GOP staffer and two Capitol Police officers, but all of the injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.
Investigators reviewing the shooter’s social media have found anti-Trump postings, according to a law enforcement official, per @ShimonPro
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) June 14, 2017
Alleged shooter James T. Hodgekinson's Facebok has a lot of anti-Trump posts. Calls him an "a-- hole" and encourages his resignation
— Rachael Bade (@rachaelmbade) June 14, 2017
Update: 1:04 p.m. EDT— The Department of Justice has offered its resources Wednesday for an investigation into the shooting at a Republican Congressional baseball practice that injured at least four people, including Representative Steve Scalise, the House majority whip.
"This morning, Members of Congress, Senators, congressional staffers, and Capitol Police officers were targets of a senseless and cowardly attack during a practice for a bi-partisan, charity baseball game," Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We pray for their swift recovery. The Department of Justice will provide all resources necessary for a thorough investigation."
The suspected shooter died of injuries sustained as he was apprehended by police. Earlier Wednesday Representative Ron DeSantis reportedly identified the alleged attacker, James Hodgkinson, as the man who approached him and asked in the practice was for Republicans or Democrats.
The annual Congressional baseball game, for which the lawmakers had been practicing, is reportedly set to take place Thursday as scheduled.
"That is the individual." - @RepDeSantis, saying Hodgkinson's photo matches man who approached him at baseball pkg lots this am.@CNBC
— Carl Quintanilla (@carlquintanilla) June 14, 2017
"The Department of Justice will provide all resources necessary for a thorough investigation," deputy attorney general Rosenstein says pic.twitter.com/BPkQ1vOKS9
— David S. Joachim (@davidjoachim) June 14, 2017
Update: 12:53 p.m. EDT—Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) vehemently condemned an attack Wednesday at a Republican Congressional baseball practice after discovering the suspected shooter had volunteered on his 2016 presidential campaign. At least four people were injured in the attack, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise.
"I am sickened by this despicable act," Sanders said in a speech on the Senate floor. "And let me be as clear as I can be. Violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society and I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms."
James Hodgkinson, the 66-year-old alleged shooter who lived in Illinois, died from injuries sustained when he was detained by police, President Donald Trump announced in a press conference.
JUST IN: Bernie Sanders says alleged gunman volunteered on his campaign, condemns action in strongest possible terms https://t.co/oPSs184okg pic.twitter.com/1l5dlXrc79
— CNN (@CNN) June 14, 2017
Update: 12:45 p.m. EDT—The two Capitol Police officers injured in a shooting attack Wednesday at a Republican Congressional baseball practice were Krystal Griner and David Bailey, reported Scott Wong of The Hill. House Speaker Paul Ryan seemingly confirmed their identities during his remarks on the floor delivered to his colleagues.
"It is clear to me...without these two heroes, Agent Bailey and Agent Griner, many lives would've been lost," Ryan said, noting he spoke with them as they were being treated for injuries.
Four people were injured in the shooting, including a GOP staffer and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise. The suspected gunman was apprehended and later died from his injuries, President Donald Trump announced in a press conference.
"It is clear to me...without these two heroes, Agent Bailey and Agent Griner, many lives would've been lost," Speaker Ryan says pic.twitter.com/sIKEYyTAht
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 14, 2017
NEWS: Two Capitol Police officers injured in Congressional Baseball practice shooting are Krystal Griner & David Bailey, Hill sources say
— Scott Wong (@scottwongDC) June 14, 2017
Update: 12:37 p.m. EDT—House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said she was praying for her colleague Representative Steve Scalise, the House majority whip, in comments made on the floor Wednesday after an attack at a Republican Congressional baseball practice left at least four people injured, Scalise among them.
"Every time I pray, which is very frequently...I pray for all of you. All of you together," Pelosi said to her colleagues in the House.
Scalise had to have surgery but his injuries were not believed to be life threatening. The suspected gunman died from injuries obtained when he was detained by police.
"Every time I pray, which is very frequently...I pray for all of you. All of you together," Rep. Pelosi says to House of Representatives pic.twitter.com/mubUeMkHaa
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 14, 2017
Update: 12:27 p.m. EDT—President Donald Trump has reportedly canceled his planned events for the day after a shooting Wednesday at a Republican Congressional baseball practice left at least four people injured, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, a GOP staffer and two Capitol Police officers. "[Trump] is monitoring developments," reporter Josh Dawsey of Politico tweeted.
President Trump has canceled his events today, per White House pool, after this morning's shooting. He is monitoring developments.
— Josh Dawsey (@jdawsey1) June 14, 2017
Update: 12:25 p.m. EDT—The House of Representatives convened Wednesday in the wake of a shooting at a Republican Congressional baseball practice that left at least four people injured, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise.
"We are all praying for those who were attacked and their families," House Speaker Paul Ryan said on the floor. "We are united. We are united in our shock. We are united in our anguish. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us."
The suspected gunman died from injuries obtained when he was apprehended by police, President Donald Trump announced in a press conference.
HAPPENING NOW: @SpeakerRyan : "An attack on one of us, is an attack on all of us" @BN9 pic.twitter.com/yBDKBQEmCS
— Katie Jones (@KJones821) June 14, 2017
Update: 12:11 p.m. EDT— Details have begun to surface on the background of 66-year-old James Hodgkinson, the man suspected of opening fire Wednesday and injuring at least four people at a Republican Congressional baseball practice.
President Donald Trump announced in a press conference the assailant in the incident had died of his injuries after he was apprehended by police. The five-foot-six-inch Hodgkinson lived in Illinois, had been arrested in the past and was charged in 2006 with assaulting his girlfriend, reported NBC News' Peter Alexander on Twitter.
Among the injured in shooting Wednesday were House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, a GOP staffer and two Capitol Police officers.
NEW details about shooter's history of arrests. h/t @Tom_Winter pic.twitter.com/ZgAEScL5vp
— Peter Alexander (@PeterAlexander) June 14, 2017
Update: 11:53 a.m. EDT—The game is on. After a shooting Wednesday at a Republican Congressional baseball practice injured at least four people—including Representative Steve Scalise, the House majority whip—the annual Congressional baseball game scheduled for Thursday will go on as planned, reported Matt Fuller of the Huffington Post. Members reportedly gave that announcement a standing ovation.
Two Capitol Police officers and a GOP staffer were injured in the shooting but suffered injuries that are not believed to be life threatening. The suspected shooter, who has been identified in reports as Illinois 66-year-old James Hodgkinson, died from his injuries.
The congressional baseball game is on for tomorrow night.
— Matt Fuller (@MEPFuller) June 14, 2017
Members gave that news a standing ovation.
Update: 11:47 a.m. EDT— President Donald Trump addressed the nation Wednesday after a shooter opened fire on a Republican Congressional baseball practice, injuring at least four people, including Representative Steve Scalise, the House majority whip. The president also announced that the assailant had died from his injuries.
"Congressman Scalise is a friend and a very good friend," Trump said. "He's a patriot and he's a fighter. He will recover from this assault."
Trump added the city, nation and world were praying for him. Multiple reports have identified James Hodgkinson as the suspected shooter, who was taken down police on the scene.
"We may have our differences, but we'd do well, in times like these, to remember that everyone who serves in our nation's capital is here because, above all, they love our country," Trump said.
Trump: "The assailant has now died from his injuries" https://t.co/TAtS5Rk5NJ pic.twitter.com/O2RBHgrSTH
— POLITICO (@politico) June 14, 2017
.@POTUS: "Congressman Scalise is a friend and a very good friend. He's a patriot and he's a fighter. He will recover from this assault." pic.twitter.com/rtJ3sRVZoT
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 14, 2017
Trump: "We may have our differences, but we'd do well, in times like these, to remember that everyone who serves in our nation's capital..."
— Eric Geller (@ericgeller) June 14, 2017
Update: 11:27 a.m. EDT—Representative Ron DeSantis reportedly identified suspected shooter James Hodgkinson as the man who approached him and asked if a Congressional baseball practice was Republican or Democratic. Multiple reports have identified Hodgkinson as the man suspected of opening fire on the practice injuring at least four people, including Representative Steve Scalise, the House majority whip.
CNBC's Carl Quintanilla tweeted the DeSantis said, "That is the individual," saying the photo of Hodgkinson matched the man who approached him. Reports have indicated Hodgkinson was shot as police apprehended him and that the 66-year-old has been hospitalized.
"A guy...walked up to us that was asking whether it was Republicans or Democrats out there," DeSantis told Fox News Wednesday morning. "And it was just a little odd then he walked towards the area where this all happened."
"That is the individual." - @RepDeSantis, saying Hodgkinson's photo matches man who approached him at baseball pkg lots this am.@CNBC
— Carl Quintanilla (@carlquintanilla) June 14, 2017
Update: 11:11 a.m. EDT—Further details about the condition of the victims surfaced Wednesday after at least four people were injured in a shooting at a Republican Congressional baseball practice. Representative Steve Scalise, the House majority whip had to go into surgery for his injuries—which are reportedly non-life-threatening—and his office issued a statement asking for prayers.
"He is grateful for the brave actions of U.S. Capitol Police, first responders, and colleagues," his office said. "We ask that you keep the Whip and others harmed in this incident in your thoughts and prayers."
GOP staffer Zachary Bath posted on Facebook that he was injured in the shooting but was "okay." Bath works for Texas Representative Roger Williams.
Multiple reports have identified the suspected shooter as James Hodgkinson of Illinois.
Zachary Barth, a staffer for GOP Rep. Roger Williams of TX, posted on FB that he was shot but is "okay." Gave permission to post thru friend pic.twitter.com/ruUuNrtqn6
— Jon Ward (@jonward11) June 14, 2017
Update: 10:51 a.m. EDT—Multiple reports have surfaced Wednesday identifying the man suspected of opening fire at a Republican Congressional baseball practice Wednesday, injuring at least four people. The suspected gunman was identified as James Hodgkinson of Illinois, according to reports from both The Washington Post and NBC News.
Among the injured Wednesday were two Capitol Police officers and Representative Steve Scalise, the House majority whip. Neither the officers nor Scalise reportedly suffered life-threatening injuries.
Sources have identified alleged shooter as James T. Hodgkinson, a home inspector from Illinois https://t.co/hdwpWOURoH
— Perry Stein (@PerryStein) June 14, 2017
NBC News: Gunman in today's shooting is identified as James Hodgkinson from Illinois. White male, late 60's. Pete Williams reports.
— Tom Winter (@Tom_Winter) June 14, 2017
#BREAKING @petewilliamsnbc reports gunman in today’s Congressional baseball shooting is James T. Hodgkinson (66) of Belleville, Illinois pic.twitter.com/nXl1dVvfFe
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) June 14, 2017
Update: 10:43 a.m. EDT— After a gunman opened fire on a Republican Congressional baseball practice Wednesday, FBI Special Agent Tim Slater said in a news conference it was too soon to determine if the lawmakers were specifically targeted. It was "really early in the investigation," Slater said.
Police said they have apprehended the suspected shooter, whose name has not been disclosed and whose motivations are not yet known. Representative Ron DeSantis had described earlier that a man had asked if the lawmakers were Republicans or Democrats shortly before the shooting.
"A guy...walked up to us that was asking whether it was Republicans or Democrats out there," DeSantis told Fox News Wednesday morning. "And it was just a little odd then he walked towards the area where this all happened."
“Not aware” of any political motivation, FBI’s Slater says.
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) June 14, 2017
Update: 10:35 a.m. EDT—Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown assured citizens in a news conference Wednesday that the Virginia town was now safe after a gunman opened fire and injured at least four people, including a prominent Republican Congressman. Earlier reports suggested five people had been injured. Brown also announced the investigation was being turned over to the FBI.
Representative Steve Scalise, the House majority whip, was shot in the incident but did not suffer life threatening injuries. U.S. Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa said two Capitol Police officers were injured in the shooting but did not suffer what appeared to be life-threatening injuries.
Update: 10:29 a.m. EDT— A witness described the suspected gunman who opened fire Wednesday and reportedly injured five people, including Representative Steve Scalise, the House majority whip. Reporter Julie Carey of Washington, D.C.'s NBC affiliate station tweeted she talked with a witness who described shooter was a "middle aged white man" with "white hair and beard" and armed with what appeared to be an assault rifle.
Police said they have apprehended the suspected gunman.
Just spoke to eyewitness at YMCA who says shooter was middle aged white man, white hair and beard armed with assault rifle @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/XThQyVBbTP
— Julie Carey (@JulieCareyNBC) June 14, 2017
WITNESS: Police yelled to suspect "put down the gun" and people from the baseball team yelled something like screw that, "shoot him."
— Lisa Desjardins (@LisaDNews) June 14, 2017
Update: 10:20 a.m. EDT— Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe issued a statement on the shooting Wednesday in Alexandria at a Republican Congressional baseball practice that reportedly left five injured, among them Representative Steve Scalise, the House majority whip.
"Dorothy and I are shocked and deeply saddened by this horrible act of violence against members of congress, law enforcement and other innocent people who were simply enjoying an early morning baseball practice," the governor said in a statement. "We are praying for swift recoveries for those who were injured and we are thankful for the bravery and quick action of U.S. Capitol Police and local first responders to stop the attacker and treat those who were wounded. Virginia public safety officials are coordinating with local responders and we will continue to monitor this situation and make every resource available."
Police said they detained the suspected gunman.
Below is the Governor's statement on this morning's shooting in Alexandria: pic.twitter.com/GqRB6Pxl6f
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) June 14, 2017
Update: 10:10 a.m. EDT— As details surface Wednesday on the shooting at a Congressional baseball practice that left five injured—among them Representative Steve Scalise, the House majority whip—Newsweek's Matthew Cooper notes:
Attempts on the lives of members are rare. Gabrielle Giffords, the Arizona Congresswoman, was shot in 2011 and that was a stunning event. A mass attack on members of Congress is even rarer. The 9/11 Commission concluded that Flight 93 may have been heading for the Capitol or the White House. A mentally ill man took a pistol in the Capitol in the 90s, killing a Capitol Police officer and came perilously close to reaching the offices of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay—an incident that sparked a major revamp of security on Capitol Hill. The details of today's incident are still sketchy but Representative Mo Brooks, who was at the baseball field in Virginia that became a hunting ground, described a scene with a gunman firing multiple rounds using a rifle in a strategic fashion that seems more calculated than crazed.
Steve Scalise, shot at a congressional baseball game in Alexandria, was an early endorser of President Donald Trump https://t.co/K9akKI8Mdw pic.twitter.com/CuhYVnxnb1
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) June 14, 2017
Update: 10:04 a.m. EDT— George Washington University Hospital confirmed to CBS News that it had received two individuals who were injured in Wednesday's shooting in Alexandria, Virginia at a Republican Congressional baseball practice. Both patients were in critical condition, according to CBS.
At least five people were injured after a gunman opened fire at the field, including Representative Steve Scalise, the House majority whip, who reportedly suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
.@GWHospital confirms it has received 2 individuals from Alexandria shooting; both are in critical condition https://t.co/dnXnd0oIDi pic.twitter.com/xe4TBMttzU
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 14, 2017
Update: 9:57 a.m. EDT— Two Capitol Police officers who were injured in a Wednesday morning shooting are expected to survive, reported NBC News' Pete Williams. A gunman opened fire at a Republican Congressional baseball practice, reportedly injuring five people, including Representative Steve Scalise, the House majority whip, whose injuries were apparently not life threatening.
NBC News: The two Capitol Police officers shot this morning are expected to survive Pete Williams reports.
— Tom Winter (@Tom_Winter) June 14, 2017
Update: 9:50 a.m. EDT— Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a statement Wednesday responding to a shooting at a baseball field that left five injured, including Representative Steve Scalise, the House majority whip, who reportedly suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
"My prayers are with those wounded this morning & their families. Continued appreciation to Capitol Police & first responders," McConnell tweeted.
Police said they detained the suspected gunman. The condition of those injured in the shooting has not yet been disclosed.
My prayers are with those wounded this morning & their families. Continued appreciation to Capitol Police & first responders.
— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) June 14, 2017
Update: 9:44 a.m. EDT— "He was hunting us," Michigan Representative Mike Bishop told the New York Times about the gunman who opened fire on Republican congressmen and aides at a baseball field in Alexandria, Virginia Wednesday.
"'Pop, pop, pop, pop.' It's a sound I'll never forget," Bishop said, according to the Twitter account of Times reporter Emily Cochrane.
"He was hunting us," - Michigan Rep. Mike Bishop, who was standing on home plate when shots rang out. Credits armed detail for defending.
— Emily Cochrane (@ESCochrane) June 14, 2017
"Pop, pop, pop, pop.' It's a sound I'll never forget...A automatic/semi-automatic rifle makes a distinctive sound when it's pointed at you." https://t.co/jupbJN713q
— Emily Cochrane (@ESCochrane) June 14, 2017
Update: 9:39 a.m. EDT—First lady Melania Trump tweeted a statement on the shooting at an Alexandria, Virginia baseball field that left five people injured, including Representative Steve Scalise, the House majority whip, who reportedly suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
"Thank you to the first responders who rushed in to help protect those who were hurt in Alexandria, VA. My thoughts & prayers to everyone!" Trump tweeted.
Thank you to the first responders who rushed in to help protect those who were hurt in Alexandria, VA. My thoughts & prayers to everyone!
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) June 14, 2017
Update: 9:31 a.m. EDT— Representative Mo Brooks (R-Alabama) tweeted he was "Praying for those injured at this morning's practice", while adding "I'm especially thankful to the US Capitol Police who risked their lived to protect us," after being present at the scene Wednesday morning when a gunman opened fire and reportedly injured five people, including Representative Steve Scalise, the House majority whip.
Police said they have detained the suspected gunman.
Praying for those injured at this morning's practice. I'm especially thankful to the US Capitol Police who risked their lived to protect us.
— Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) June 14, 2017
Update: 9:25 a.m. EDT— Witnesses have described a frightening scene Wednesday after a gunman opened fire on a Republican Congressional baseball practice. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) described on MSNBC the gunman firing off dozens of rounds on a wide open field before Capitol Police were able to stop the shooter. Police reported that five people were injured, including Representative Steve Scalise, the House majority whip, who reportedly suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
"In the field, I see Representative Scalise is shot but moving, and he's trying to drag himself through the dirt and out into the outfield," Paul said. Before police were able to apprehend the shooter, there was little place to hide, Paul said.
"The people in the field unfortunately didn't have much of a chance because nobody could get to them and they couldn't get to us and it was a wide open field," he said on MSNBC. "There was no way to get to people like Scalise until the firing had stopped."
If they Capitol Police weren't there, “it would have been a massacre,” Rand Paul says https://t.co/8WQYhMpXcF
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) June 14, 2017
Update: 9:13 a.m. EDT— Five people were transported off the scene—their injuries and location undisclosed at the moment—after a gunman opened fire as Republican Congressmen practiced Wednesday on a baseball field ahead of the annual Congressional baseball game scheduled for Thursday. Among the injured was Representative Steve Scalise, the House majority whip, who was reportedly shot in the hip area and suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
"Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with him," tweeted President Donald Trump Wednesday morning.
Police said they detained the suspected gunman but have not released his identity. Early reports have suggested a man asked the Congressmen if they were Republicans or Democrats before shooting.
"A guy...walked up to us that was asking whether it was Republicans or Democrats out there," Representative Ron DeSantis told Fox News Wednesday morning. "And it was just a little odd then he walked towards the area where this all happened."
Chf. Brown: "We do know that about five people were injured...we will not give out their names." #Alexandria
— Mary Emily O'Hara (@MaryEmilyOHara) June 14, 2017
Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 14, 2017
Rep. DeSantis who at baseball practice recalls: “A guy...walked up to us that was asking whether it was Republicans or Democrats out there.” pic.twitter.com/GwozCPRdve
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 14, 2017
The man was wearing running clothes, asked Duncan: "Are those Republicans or Democrats out there practicing?" Per source familiar.
— Rebecca Buck (@RebeccaBuck) June 14, 2017
Original story:
A gunman opened fire Wednesday as Republican congressmen practiced at a baseball field. Early reports indicate Representative Steve Scalise, the House majority whip, was shot as were several aides.
Police said they detained the shooter who opened fire on the congressmen. The lawmakers described a harrowing scene.
"I was on deck about to hit batting practice on the third base side of home plate, and I hear a loud bam," Representative Mo Brooks, an Alabama Republican, said on CNN. "And I look around and behind third base, in the third base dugout, which is cinder blocks, I see a rifle and a little bit of a body, and then I hear another blam, and I realize there is an active shooter."
Brooks, who said the shooter appeared to be a white man, said that he heard Scalise scream as he was shot near second base.
President Donald Trump quickly responded to the reports of the shooting in a statement. "We are deeply saddened by this tragedy," Trump said. "Our thoughts and prayer are with the members of Congress, their staffs, Capitol Police, first responders, and all other affected."
The shooter's motive was not immediately known. A man on the scene reportedly asked the men if they represented Republicans or Democrats before he began shooting.
Katie Fillus of Alexandria told The Washington Post she was walking her dog nearby when she heard "very very loud popping sounds." "And a I knew a baseball team was practicing, and everybody started screaming: 'Hit the ground hit the ground!'
The gunshots grew louder, she said, "like he was walking across the field toward all of us, the gunman, and I was screaming: 'Can someone help me? I have my dogs. and I can't get behind anything.'"
