Rep. Scalise, others shot at congressional baseball practice

Gunman killed in ensuing shootout

A gunman opened fire on a Republican congressional baseball team practicing on a suburban Virginia field Wednesday, wounding Louisiana congressman Steve Scalise and at least three others as horrified legislators and staffers scrambled for cover amid a hail of bullets.

Capitol Police were providing security for the practice and engaged the shooter, identified by a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity as James Hodgkinson, 66, from Belleville, Ill.

President Trump later said the suspect was killed in the ensuing shootout.

None of the victims’ injuries appeared life- threatening, authorities said. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R- Tenn., said the baseball practice session was almost over when the shooting be- gan on the field shortly after 7 a. m.

“I heard a bang, and I thought it sounded like a gun. I never saw a shooter,” Fleischmann said minutes after the gunman was taken into custody. “I heard him. I was close to the damn thing. Some of our people have been hit. This is horrible. I got bloody running and jumping into the dugout.”

Fleischmann estimated there were 50 to 60 people at the practice, including House members, senators and their staff.

South Carolina Rep. Jeff Dun- can said he was leaving practice early when the man he believes was the gunman asked him if the players were Democrats or Republicans.

“I told him they were Republicans, he said ‘ OK, thanks,’ and turned around,” Duncan told reporters. “I got in the car and left.”

Minutes later he heard about the shooting.

Scalise, the third- ranking GOP “whip” in the House, was in stable condition after being shot in the hip and undergoing surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, his office said in a statement.

“Prior to entering surgery, the Whip was in good spirits and spoke to his wife by phone,” the statement said. “He is grateful for the brave actions of U. S. Capitol Police, first responders, and colleagues.”

The team of Republican congressman and staff members were practicing for a charity baseball game scheduled for later this week against a Democratic team.