Congressman, Capitol cops shot in ‘deliberate attack’ on baseball practice
A man wielding a rifle opened fire from behind the dugout at a congressional baseball practice in Virginia early Wednesday, hitting at least five people, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, in a “deliberate attack” on GOP members, according to reports and witnesses.
Gunfire erupted at a practice field on East Monroe Street in Del Ray, Alexandria, at about 7:30 a.m., Fox News reported.
The suspect is “in custody” and no longer a threat, according to Alexandria police.
Authorities shot the suspect before taking him into custody.
Law enforcement sources told CNN that the shooting was a “deliberate attack.”
Police officials said a total of five people were transported from the scene to area hospitals.
The department tweeted that victims are “being transported to hospitals.”
Scalise (R-Louisiana), 51, was shot in the hip but appeared to be OK, a reporter with a CBS affiliate tweeted.
Along with Scalise, two Capitol Police officers were shot, The Hill reported.
Fox News reporter Chad Pergram tweeted that other staffers were hit during the shooting.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) told MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” that he heard as many as 50 shots fired.
“Right now, we’re secure,” Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Alabama) told CNN on Wednesday morning.
Brooks said the gunman started shooting through a fence behind the dugout, adding that “at least five people were hit.”
“He appeared to be a white male,” Brooks said of the gunman, adding, “I saw the rifle … I got a glimpse of the shooter, which means he could also see me.”
After Scalise was shot, he started “dragging himself,” leaving a trail of blood behind, said Brooks, who wrapped a tourniquet around a wounded staffer and then went to the aid of Scalise.
Rep. Ronald DeSantis (R-Florida) told Fox News that shortly before Scalise was shot, a man asked them whether Republican or Democratic members of Congress were on the field.
“It was kind of a little odd,” he said.
Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Arizona), who was at bat at the time, said “the shooter was shot” and Scalise was at second base when he was struck.
“There was a lot of yelling going on,” Flake said, adding that the shooter, whom he described as in his 40s and wearing a blue shirt and jeans, “had a lot of ammo.”
Paul told CNN “it would have been a massacre” without Capitol Police on the scene.
Along with Brooks, Paul and Flake, Reps. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio) and Jeff Duncan (R-South Carolina) were also at the field, where the congressional members have played for years.
President Trump said in a statement, “The Vice President and I are aware of the shooting incident in Virginia and are monitoring developments closely. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayer are with the members of Congress, their staffs, Capitol Police, first responders, and all others affected.”
In a tweet Trump said, “Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.”
The lawmakers were on the field practicing for a congressional baseball game scheduled for Thursday night.
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