Reports are coming in that a shooting has occurred at a Congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia. where GOP congressmen were practicing for a bipartisan charity baseball game set to take place on Thursday at Nationals Park.
House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and others have been injured.
Speaking to CNN this morning, Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) said:
“I hear a loud ‘bam’ and I look around and behind third base … I see a rifle, and I see a little bit of a body and then I hear another “bam” and I realize there’s still an active shooter. At the same time, I hear Steve Scalise over at second base scream — he was shot.”
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer issued this tweet just moments after the news broke.
Both @POTUS & @VP are aware of the developing situation in Virginia. Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected.
— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) June 14, 2017
Rep. Scalise was shot in the hip and was given first aid by Rep. Brooks who reportedly used a belt as a tourniquet to stop Scalise’s bleeding.
At least one aide was shot in the chest and, according to NBC, two U.S. Capitol Police officers were shot attempting to apprehend the gunman.
Suspect Detained?
The suspect is in custody and no longer a threat, according to Alexandria police, although Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah)reportedly told Fox News that the gunman is dead. Fox is also reporting that Rep. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.), told Fox News he left just before the shooting. As he walked to his car, a man asked DeSantis if it was Republicans or Democrats practicing.
In a statement, President Donald Trump said that he and Vice President Mike Pence are:
“Monitoring developments closely.”
They added:
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the members of Congress, their staffs, Capitol Police, first responders and all others affected.”
Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 14, 2017
Scalise is Majority Whip and representative for Louisiana’s 1st congressional district having served since 2008. According to NBC News, he is in a stable condition.
This is a developing story.
Watch the WaPo video of the police locking down the area (after the jump):
Featured Image Via Washington Post Video Screenshot.
