Shots Fired at Republican Members of Congress Baseball Practice

UPDATE: Congressman Steve Scalise Among Victims Hurt In Shooting

(Alexandria, VA) — Louisiana Representative Steve Scalise is one of five people who were shot today at an Alexandria, Virginia baseball field during practice for a congressional benefit game. Here are the key points:

-MedStar Washington Hospital Center is reporting Louisiana Republican Steve Scalise is in critical condition after surgery for gunshot wounds. Scalise was shot in the hip.

-Four others shot and taken to the hospital are in good condition.

-Two Capitol Police officers were injured.

-The suspect is identified as James Hodgkinson, who was shot by police and died at a hospital.

-A friend of Hodgkinson described him as — quote — “happy go lucky.” A man in Belleville, Illinois, who gave only his first name as Dale, said he was taken by surprise when he saw his friend’s name on television associated with the shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise [[ skall-EESE ]] of Louisiana and four others during a practice for the annual congressional benefit baseball game.

-Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says he was shaken by this morning’s shooting spree. Schumer called it a sobering reminder of the excellent work of the Capitol Police force

-House Speaker Paul Ryan named the officers during his address to the House today as David Bailey and Crystal Griner. The U.S. Capitol Police chief earlier said that the officers had non-life threatening injuries.

-Speaker Ryan said lawmakers are horrified by the dreadful attack. Ryan said lawmakers are united in shock and anguish. He added, quote — “An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.”

-Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders says the suspect in this morning’s shooting spree in Alexandria, Virginia was one of his presidential campaign volunteers. In a statement, Sanders condemned the shooting and called it a “despicable act.”

-A Facebook page for a user named James Hodgkinson from Belleville lists several posts that included anti-Trump rhetoric and strong support for Senator Bernie Sanders.

-President Trump called the shooting a brutal assault. Trump praised the bravery of the Capitol Police officers and the first responders who rushed to the scene.

-House Speaker Paul Ryan says that despite the gunfire aimed at members of Congress today, the charity congressional baseball game will go on as planned. The bipartisan congressional baseball game is held every year to raise money for local charities.

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Alexander Martin /jm VA) WDC) LA)

UPDATE: Hospital: Scalise In ‘Critical Condition’ After Surgery

(Washington, DC) — MedStar Washington Hospital Center is reporting House Majority Whip Steve Scalise is in critical condition after surgery for gunshot wounds. The Louisiana Republican and four others, including two Capitol Police officers, were shot at an Alexandria, Virginia ballfield during a practice for the annual congressional benefit baseball game. Shooting suspect James Hodgkinson was shot by police and died at a hospital.

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Steve Stout/jm VA) LA) WDC)

UPDATE: Congressional Baseball Game Will Go On Despite Shootings

(Washington, DC) — Despite the gunfire aimed at members of Congress today, the charity congressional baseball game will go on as planned. House Speaker Paul Ryan made that announcement only hours after a gunman shot and wounded House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana along with four others as they prepared to practice. The bipartisan congressional baseball game is held every year to raise money for local charities. The game is scheduled to be played tomorrow night at Nationals Park stadium in Washington.

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Mark Carlson / jm VA)

UPDATE: Scalise Out Of Surgery

(Alexandria, VA) — House Majority Whip Steve Scalise [[ skall-EESE ]] is now out of surgery. Scalise was shot in the hip by a gunman who opened fire on a baseball field full of GOP Congressman who were practicing for an upcoming charity game this morning. Scalise’s office says he was in surgery for about two hours and is in stable condition. They say he was in good spirits prior to surgery and was grateful for the swift action of the U.S. Capitol Police. His injuries were not life-threatening.

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Joseph Guzman/jm VA) WDC) LA)

UPDATE: Sanders Says Shooting Suspect Volunteered For His Campaign

(Washington, DC) — Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders says the suspect in this morning’s shooting spree in Alexandria, Virginia was one of his presidential campaign volunteers. The suspect is dead after being shot by Capitol Police. In a statement, Sanders condemned the shooting and called it a “despicable act.” House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, two Capitol Police officers and a congressional aide were shot and injured. The Republicans were practicing for an annual charity baseball game with Democrats.

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Terry Moore VT)

UPDATE: Aide To Texas Congressman Hurt In Scalise Attack

(Washington, DC) — The aide of a Texas Congressman is hospitalized following the attack on Republican Congressmen in Virginia. Representative Roger Williams says Zack Barth was wounded during this morning’s shooting during softball practice for the annual game against congressional Democrats. Barth is expected to make a full recovery. He also worked on Jeb Bush’s presidential campaign last year. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise and two Capitol police officers are also hospitalized.

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Taylor Millard SCC) VA) LA) TX) FL)

UPDATE: Capital Shaken By Early Morning Shooting Spree

(Washington, DC) — The nation’s capital is reeling after an early morning shooting spree in Alexandria, Virginia. A lone gunman opened fire at a baseball practice featuring Republican members of the House and Senate. Speaking at the White House this morning, President Trump announced that the suspect died after being shot by Capitol Police officers. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise , two Capitol Police officers and a congressional aide were shot and injured. The Republicans were practicing for an annual charity baseball game with Democrats.

The President called it a brutal assault. He praised the bravery of the Capitol Police officers and first responders who rushed to the scene. Trump said many more lives would have been lost without them. He said the sacrifices of law enforcement officers and first responders “makes democracy possible.” The President called for unity and said the nation is strongest when “we work together for the common good.” Trump also advised Americans to “take a moment to cherish those you love.”

Democratic lawmakers who were practicing at another location were seen huddling in prayer after reports of the shooting spree reached them. It could have been much worse. Scalise had a security detail with him because he is a top member of the House leadership team. Members of Congress who are not in the leadership chain do not normally have officers traveling with them. Meantime, the FBI has taken over the investigation of the tragedy. NBC identifies the shooting suspect as 66-year-old James T. Hodgkinson of Belleville, Illinois.

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Terry Moore/jm WDC) VA) LA) IL)

UPDATE: Pres Trump: Shooter Dead

(Washington, DC) — President Trump says the gunman has died in this morning’s shooting at an Alexandria, Virginia baseball field filled with GOP lawmakers. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise , two Capitol Police officers and a congressional aide were shot and injured at a ball field. The President called Scalise a “true fighter.”

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John McDade

UPDATE: Alexandria Shooter Identified By Law Enforcement

(Alexandria, VA) — Law enforcement officials are identifying the man who opened fire today on a GOP congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia. “The Washington Post” says he’s identified as 66-year-old James T. Hodgkinson of Belleville, Illinois. Law enforcement officials say Hodgkinson owns a home inspection business. His business license expired last November and was not renewed according to state records. In April 2006, Hodgkinson was charged with battery and aiding damage to a motor vehicle, according to online records in St. Clair County, Illinois. Records show the charges were dismissed.

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Mark Carlson / VA / IL)

UPDATE: Congressman, Several Others Shot

(Alexandria, VA) — The U.S. Capitol Police Officers injured during a shootout with a suspect who opened fire at a Congressional baseball practice are in good condition. Chief Matthew Verderosa says the two Capitol officers suffered non-life threatening injuries and are being treated at a local hospital. Police said five people were transported to the hospital following the incident but have not confirmed if one of those is the suspect. Alexandria, Virginia Police Chief Michael Brown says it is not an active incident and the city is safe. Local police said the FBI will be leading the investigation due to the federal nature of the crime. FBI officials said it was too early to say if it was an assassination attempt or act of terrorism but the investigation is ongoing. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise was shot in the hip during the shooting but is said to be in stable condition.

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Joseph Guzman/acc WDC) LA)

UPDATE: Scalise Seen On Stretcher

(Alexandria, VA) — Video shows House Majority Whip Steve Scalise being wheeled out on a stretcher following the shooting that took place at a Congressional baseball practice this morning. Scalise was shot in the hip in Alexandria, Virginia after a gunman opened fire on a baseball diamond full of GOP Congressmen. Scalise can be seen covered in a white sheet on a stretcher and was then put onto a helicopter. He was taken to the hospital where he is undergoing surgery and is in stable condition.

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Joseph Guzman/acc LA) WDC)

UPDATE: Votes Cancelled In House; Security Boosted After Shooting

(Washington, DC) — Votes in the House are being cancelled today after this morning’s shooting in Alexandria, Virginia. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, two Capitol Police officers and a congressional aide were shot and injured at a ball field. A lone gunman was shot by authorities. Meantime, security at the Capitol has been boosted. A statement from Capitol police notes deployment of a “robust police presence” around the Capitol complex.

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Terry Moore/acc WDC) VA) LA)

UPDATE: Trump, Pence Cancel Planned Speeches After Shooting

(Washington, DC) — President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are canceling planned speeches today after this morning’s shooting melee in Alexandria, Virginia. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, two Capitol Police officers and a congressional aide were hit by gunfire at a ball field. A lone gunman was shot and taken into custody. In an earlier tweet, Trump called himself deeply saddened by the shooting. It happened during a practice for a charity baseball game.

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Terry Moore/jm WDC) VA)

UPDATE: Report: DC Hospital Has Two “Critical” Victims After Shooting

(Washington, DC) — The “Washington Post” is reporting that two victims are in critical condition after this morning’s shooting in Alexandria, Virginia. They are at GW Hospital. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise [[ skall-EESE ]] was also hit by gunfire and is reported to be in stable condition at another hospital. Gunfire erupted at a ball field early this morning. Scalise, two Capitol Police officers and a congressional aide were hit. Republican lawmakers were there practicing for a charity baseball game.

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Terry Moore/acc WDC) VA) LA)

UPDATE: Scalise Undergoing Surgery After Being Shot

(Alexandria, VA) — House Majority Whip Steve Scalise is undergoing surgery after being shot outside Washington, DC this morning. Scalise’s office says the Louisiana Republican was in good spirits before surgery and is in stable condition. Scalise, two Capitol Police officers and a congressional aide were hit by gunfire at a ball field in Alexandria, Virginia. It happened during a practice for a charity baseball game.

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Terry Moore/acc LA) WDC) VA)

UPDATE: Congressman Says Aide Was Shot In Melee Near DC

(Washington, DC) — Texas Republican Congressman Roger Williams says one of his aides was shot during a melee in Alexandria, Virginia this morning. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and two Capitol Police officers were also hit by gunfire and are reported to be in stable condition. The aide’s condition is unknown. The shooting happened during a practice for a charity baseball game.

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Terry Moore/acc WDC) VA) LA) TX)

UPDATE: Trump Reacts To Scalise Shooting

(Washington, DC) — President Trump is reacting to this morning’s shooting of GOP House Majority Whip Steve Scalise. The Louisiana Republican, now in stable condition, was one of multiple people shot at a baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia. Trump tweeted that Scalise is “a true friend and patriot.” The President noted that he was badly injured “but will fully recover,” adding “Our thoughts and prayers are with him.”

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Mark Lineberger/acc VA) LA)

UPDATE: Capitol Security Boosted After Shooting

(Washington, DC) — Security around the U.S. Capitol is being boosted after a congressman and two Capitol Police officers were shot and wounded this morning. The shooting happened in nearby Alexandria, Virginia. A statement from Capitol Police notes deployment of a “robust police presence” outside the Capitol. The statement says all Capitol buildings are open and normal business is underway. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and two Capitol Police officers were shot and injured at a baseball practice. They are reported to be in stable condition. A congressional aide was also reported to have been hit by gunfire. The shooter is dead.

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Terry Moore/acc WDC) VA) LA)

UPDATE: Report: VA Gunman Dead

(Washington DC) — Sources tell NBC News Radio that the gunman who shot several people in Alexandria, Virginia, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, is dead. The shooter is believed to have fired dozens of shots at the Republican congressional baseball practice. Early reports say anywhere from 50 to 80 shots were fired. The annual Congressional Baseball Game is scheduled for June 15th.

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John McDade/acc VA) LA)

UPDATE: Texas Congressman Injured, But Not Shot

(Alexandria, VA) — Congressman Roger Williams has also been injured this morning in Alexandria, Virginia although his office says he was not shot. The Texas Republican was seen being carried away on a stretcher from a baseball field where multiple people were shot, including GOP House Majority Whip Steve Scalise. Scalise is in stable condition but the nature of Williams’ injuries are unclear. The gunman is dead.

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Mark Lineberger/acc LA) TX)

UPDATE: Senator Paul Witnesses Congress Shooting

(Alexandria, VA) — Kentucky Senator Rand Paul says if it weren’t for two U.S. Capitol Police officers, the shooting in Alexandria, Virginia would’ve been a massacre. Alexandria Police say the suspect is in custody and is no longer a threat. Senator Paul was an eyewitness to this morning’s shooting at a Republican baseball practice. Paul has described the weapon used by the shooter as a rifle, and says he first heard an isolated shot, followed by a rapid succession of five to ten shots. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise was among those shot and is in stable condition. Paul says he saw Scalise pull himself through the dirt into the outfield after he was hit.

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John Abrahamsen/acc WDC) KY) LA)

UPDATE: Alexandria Shooting: Dozens Of Shots

(Alexandria, VA) — House Majority Whip Steve Scalise is among the injured after a gunman opened fire during an early morning baseball practice for Republican members of Congress. The shooter is believed to have fired dozens of shots at the baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia. Early reports say anywhere from 50 to 80 shots were fired. Police say they have a suspect in custody. The annual Congressional Baseball Game is scheduled for June 15th.

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John Abrahamsen/acc LA) WDC)

Congressman Shot

(Alexandria, VA) — There are multiple reports that House Majority Whip Stephen Scalise has been shot in Alexandria, Virginia. Several others were also hit in the incident and a suspect is reportedly in custody. The Louisiana Republican was apparently at a baseball field where people were practicing for a congressional game scheduled for later this week. Scalise has been in Congress since 2008. He previously served in the Louisiana House and Senate.

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Mark Lineberger/acc LA)

Shots Fired at Republican Members of Congress Baseball Practice

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