WASHINGTON, D.C. – The shooting at a Congressional Baseball Game practice Wednesday that left five people, including a congressman, wounded and the assailant dead brought swift and strong reaction in the nation’s Capitol.
Majority House Whip Rep. Scott Scalise, R-Louisiana, was among those hit in a hail of gunfire during the baseball practice for Thursday’s game. His staff released a statement saying he had undergone one surgery; a spokesperson for MedStar Washington Hospital Center told CNN that the congressman was in critical condition.
Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown told reporters five people were transported from the shooting scene, including two U.S. Capitol Police officers.
The assailant has been identified by law enforcement officials as James T. Hodgkinson, 66, of Belleville, Illinois. President Donald Trump said during a news conference that Hodgkinson died from his injuries.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, said in a statement Hodgkinson had volunteered on his presidential campaign.
“I am sickened by this despicable act. Let me be as clear as I can be,” Sanders said in a statement. “Violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society and I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, was at the practice and told CNN the officers saved their lives.
“Nobody would have survived without the Capitol Hill police,” Paul said. “He was just killing everyone. He would’ve. It would have been a massacre.”
Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colorado, issued a news release stating his thoughts and prayers are with those who are injured and thanked those who risked their lives.
“This morning’s shooting is a reminder that we must never take for granted the heroism of the Capitol Police, who risk their lives every day to protect our nation’s Capitol,” Bennet said.
Congressmen quickly sent out tweets and press releases for their condolences to the victims.
The spokeswoman for Colorado Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, Liz Payne, said the Congressman is praying for Scalise, his staff, the Capitol Police and everyone who was involved in the tragedy.
Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colorado, said the nation needs to stand as one, and tweeted that he was also praying for Scalise. He added he was grateful for the officers.
“The actions Capitol Police took today to prevent further injury is remarkable,” Gardner tweeted. “They are all heroes.”
Trump said he had spoken with Scalise’s wife, Jennifer Scalise, and pledged his full and absolute support to the family.
The House canceled many activities on Wednesday.
Josephine Peterson is a reporting intern for the Herald in Washington, D.C., and a recent graduate of American University. Reach her at jpeterson@durangoherald.com and follow her on Twitter @jopeterson93
