Gunman opens fire on members of Congress at baseball practice, witnesses say

Adjust Comment Print

In June 2014, Scalise was elected as majority whip by his fellow Republicans after a series of events stemming from then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's defeat in a primary to a conservative challenger. Scalise was hit in the hip and is undergoing surgery; two others remain in critical condition.

"Somebody, finally after about 10 minutes, yelled, 'Shooter's down!' so I swing down to Steve and put pressure on the wound", Flake told CNN. DeSantis was not hurt at the baseball practice.

Trump also responded to the attack with a tweet expressing his concern and support for Scalise, calling him a "true friend and patriot".

"I thank them for their work this morning and every day as they protect every member of Congress".

"But we couldn't get to him until the shooting stopped", Flake said.

President Trump said he was "deeply saddened by this tragedy" and was monitoring developments.

Scalise distributed commemorative baseball bats to fellow members when he ran for a leadership post in 2014.

The Congressional Baseball Game got its start in 1909 when Representative John Tener of Pennsylvania organized the inaugural game. Rand Paul, some of the others on the field included Rep. Mike Bishop, R-Mich., Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., Sen. Texas Rep. Roger Williams, who coaches the GOP team, said a member of his staff was shot and was receiving medical attention.

At least five people were taken to hospitals from the incident, according to Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown.

Defending His Honor, Jeff Sessions Highlights His Dishonesty
Sessions said he was following Justice Department policy and would not discuss confidential communications with the president. Sessions is now the only Trump official on the record, under oath, countering Comey's testimony last week under oath.

Update 11 a.m.: President Donald Trump says the assailant in the congressional shooting has died from his injuries.

The group of Republican lawmakers were practicing for the upcoming congressional softball game, which is an annual tradition in Washington.

A Congressional aide and two Capitol Police officers were also shot.

"We didn't know if there were other shooters that had us surrounded and would come into the dugout", Arizona Sen.

Wenstrup was present at the field when House Majority Whip Steve Scalise was reportedly shot in the hip while standing at second base.

Alabama talk radio host Matt Murphy tweeted that he spoke with Brooks as well, saying the congressman said "five or more" people were hit. "He is grateful for the fearless actions of U.S. Capitol Police, first responders and colleagues", his office said in a statement. The other officer, a man, was shot in the leg but managed to take down the shooter, Flake said.

He told MSNBC he heard a shot, followed by a pause and a "rapid succession of shots" that appeared to be coming from the third-base side of the diamond.

Washington in shock: Read reaction from members of Congress and others on Capitol Hill. He said he did so to ensure that Mrs. Scalise would not find out about the shooting through the media.

"Dorothy and I are shocked and deeply saddened by this frightful act of violence against members of congress, law enforcement and other innocent people who were simply enjoying an early morning baseball practice".

Comments