"It's been much more hard than people even thought at that time", Trump said.
Lawmakers and their staffs said Wednesday's shooting once again exposed a reality that they are vulnerable targets anytime they leave the security of the Capitol.
Trump called for unity in remarks at the White House on Wednesday, but Sanford and other Republican lawmakers also pointed to the president's own harsh rhetoric.
But after Wednesday's shooting of Republican Rep. Steve Scalise and several others, they did not immediately land on a new strategy to challenge Trump and the Republican-led Congress.
Despite the shooting, the annual congressional baseball game will go ahead Thursday as planned at Nationals Park.
The country's bitter divide between proponents and opponents of stronger gun control measures surfaced immediately after the shooting as lawmakers and others decried the nasty political climate - epitomized by comedian Kathy Griffin posing in a photo with what looked like Donald Trump's severed head - and the increased threats they faced. For those injured, I hope they have speedy recoveries.
"A killing field", US Senator Rand Paul said in a televised interview, describing the scene in Arlington, Virginia.
My thoughts and prayers are with Rep. Steve Scalise, the U.S. Capitol Police, the Congressional staffers present at this morning's practice, and all those affected.
From the Diplomatic Room of the White House, the USA president turned statesman as he praised first responders and led prayers for wounded Congressman Steve Scalise.
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Mr Trump said the assailant who shot Representative Steve Scalise, of Louisiana, had died. Republicans and Democrats in Congress responded in unifying condemnation of the attack and the attacker himself.
Tim Slater of the FBI which is now leading the investigation said that it is "too early to tell whether anyone was targeted".
"We may have our differences, but we 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. They said he was given "multiple units" of blood and will require additional operations. Vice President (Mike) Pence has spoken to him.
Trump is also crediting the congressman for bringing people together.
Another victim, lobbyist Matt Mika, is in critical condition as of Thursday morning, according to a statement from his family.
"The guy's down to a handgun, he dropped his rifle, they shoot him, I go over there, they put him in handcuffs", Conaway said, adding that if the shooter had "gotten inside the fence, where a bunch of guys were holed up in the dugout, it would have been like shooting fish in a barrel".
Rep. Jeff Duncan said in a statement that he was at the practice and "saw the shooter".
"I am grateful today and always for the courageous service of the Capitol Hill Police and all law enforcement officers who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe". While the top lawmakers, including Scalise, have security details, others do not and they regularly appear in public without protection. In 2011, a gunman shot Rep.
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