Premeditated attack
Shooter’s motivation remains unknown
First responders close a street near the scene of a shooting in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday. Republican Representative Steve Scalise and two Capitol police officers were injured, according to media reports
At least five people including a top Republican congressman were wounded in a Washington suburb early Wednesday morning when a shooting erupted as they practiced for an annual baseball game between lawmakers.
Senior congressman Steve Scalise was shot in the hip, according to fellow Republican lawmaker Mo Brooks who told CNN at least two law enforcement officers and one congressional staff er were also shot in the incident in Alexandria, Virginia.
“Five people were transported medically from the scene,” Alexandria police chief Michael Brown told a press conference.
Police said the shooting suspect was in custody and “not a threat.”
Brooks described chaotic scenes after Scalise was shot.
“He was not able to move on his own power. He was drag- ging his body from the second base infield to the out field to get away from the shooter while all this firing was going on ,” Brooks said.
Scalise’s office later said he was in stable condition and undergoing surgery.
President Donald Trump said he was closely monitoring the developments in Virginia, and that Scalise, the majority whip who rallies Republican votes in the House of Representatives, was expected to recover.
“Republican Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover,” Trump tweeted.
In a statement earlier, Trump described himself as “deeply saddened by this tragedy,” saying his “thoughts and prayers are with the members of Congress, their staffs, Capitol Police, first responders and all others affected .”
About 25 senators and con- gressmen were at the practice, according to Senator Jeff Flake who told reporters some 50 shots rang out in the exchange of fire between the gunman and the lawmakers’ security.
The suspect, wearing jeans and a blue shirt, was identified as 66- year- old James T. Hodgkinson, according to law enforcement. The shooter’s motivation was unknown.
Asked whether he thought it was a random shooting, Brooks told CNN, “It sure as heck wasn’t an accident.”
“People know this is the Republican baseball team practicing,” he said. “It is pretty well known at the neighborhood who those folks are on the baseball field .”
“He knew who we were. I’m a former prosecutor and, yeah, he was going after elected offi - cials, congressmen.”