The alleged shooter, 66-year-old James Hodgkinson III died after a shootout with police. He said one of his legislative correspondents was shot.
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In this April 17, 2012, photo, James Hodgkinson of Belleville protests outside of the United States Post Office in Downtown Belleville, Ill. A congressional staffer, Zach Barth, was also injured.
“We reported to police that there was a gentleman that confronted us when we were going to our auto and he wanted to know whether it was Republicans or Democrats that were out there”.
“Five people were transported medically from the scene”, Alexandria police chief Michael Brown told a press conference. “Our courageous Capitol Police perform a challenging job with incredible skill, and their sacrifice makes democracy possible”.
“Everyone on that field is a public servant – our courageous police, our congressional aides who work so tirelessly behind the scenes with enormous devotion, and our dedicated members of Congress who represent our people”, Trump said.
Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala., told CNN, people scattered when the shooting began. A helicopter arrived to medevac at least one victim. According to both congressional and law enforcement sources, the shooting appears to be a “deliberate attack”.
“I could have easily been there”, the Channahon Republican said during a teleconference Wednesday afternoon with media.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives says it is looking at two weapons that may have been involved in the shooting.
Police said the shooting suspect was in custody and “not a threat”.
Scalise underwent surgery for a wound to the hip, and was in critical condition.
Trump, a Republican, said Scalise, a Louisiana congressman, was “badly injured” but in stable condition.
Witnesses said a gunman near the dugout on the third base line opened fire around 7:30 a.m., wounding Rep. He has served as a federal police officer since 2008.
Barton credited the two Capitol Police officers for preventing what could have been a massacre.
Trump described Scalise as a “very good friend”, a “patriot” and a “fighter”, telling him: “America is praying for you and America is praying for all of the victims of this awful shooting”.
“My first thought was concern for my friends, former colleagues, police officers, and everyone in that area at that time”, said Young.
That resident, Benjamin Childers, added, “We had three members of Congress [who] took shelter in our apartment”.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says the entire Senate is “deeply saddened” over Wednesday’s shooting.
The congressional baseball game, which is still set to take place on Thursday night, brings Republicans and Democrats together to face off in a friendly match for charity.
The U.S. Capitol is one of the best-guarded buildings in the country, but when the vast majority of lawmakers leave the fortress of Capitol Hill, they’re on their own.
Valley Congressman Tim Ryan was practicing with Democrats at a different field in Northeast D.C. Wednesday morning, where they also took shelter immediately.
Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., said the baseball practice session was nearly over when the shooting occurred on the field, he said.
“He was very calm”, she said.
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This is a developing story. We will update as the situation develops.
