Scalise undergoes surgery Saturday, shows 'signs of improvement'

Scalise was shot Wednesday morning as a gunman sprayed bullets into a Republican congressional baseball practice. Doctors didn't address what organs were damaged.

MedStar Washington Hospital Center released an update on House Majority Whip Steve Scalise's condition late Thursday.

He is now in serious condition, an improvement from the critical condition he was in since his first surgery on Wednesday.

Mr Scalise's surgeon said he can hope to make an "excellent recovery", despite being seriously ill when he arrived at hospital after the shooting in Virginia last week.

"I feel a lot more optimistic than I do two or three days ago", Sava said.

While he's still under sedation, Sava says Scalise has responded to family members. He has been sedated, but has been brought out of sedation periodically and been able to recognize and communicate with his family, Sava said.

Capitol Police, who provided security for the practice, killed the shooter, identified by authorities as James Hodgkinson, 66, from Belleville, Ill. He also offered love ad prayers to Rep. Scalise and his family.

"Most importantly, we are forever grateful for the heroism of Special Agents Crystal Griner and David Bailey, who saved the lives of everyone at the baseball field that morning, including Steve's", Scalise's wife, Jennifer, said in the statement.

Nevada senator announces opposition to health care bill
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has finally unwrapped his plan for dismantling President Barack Obama's health care law. He noted that there "isn't anything in this bill that would lower premiums", and that to say otherwise would be a "lie".

Hodgkinson, from IL, who had lashed out against U.S. president Donald Trump and other Republicans over social media, was killed by Mr Scalise's security detail and other police officers.

"So we all owe Steve a big, big thank you", Trump added.

The president said that because of the "tremendous pain and suffering he's now enduring. our country will perhaps become closer, more unified".

Mika also remained hospitalized Saturday after undergoing an additional surgery. The president made his comments as he spoke in Miami to announce a new policy on Cuba.

Republican and Democrats faced off in the the Congressional Baseball Game Thursday night, but the spirit of bipartisanship was alive and well following the assassination attempt on some lawmakers.

Both teams prayed at second base, where Rep. Scalise was positioned at the time he was shot Wednesday.

The man who opened fire on Republican lawmakers practicing baseball had angrily railed against President Donald Trump the day before the shooting.