5 Shot At GOP Baseball Practice; Gunman Is Dead

GOP congressman among 5 injured in Virginia shooting while practicing for baseball game

A gunman has died after opening fire earlier this morning on members of Congress practicing for a charity baseball game in Alexandria, Virginia, injuring Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Lousiana, a lobbyist, a congressional staffer and two Capitol Police officers.

The suspect died from his injuries sustained in the shooting, President Donald Trump said in his remarks this morning.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNsa5yCFTkw%5B/embedyt%5D

Scalise’s office said he was shot in the hip and underwent surgery. Scalise, the House majority whip, is listed in stable condition, his office said.

“Prior to entering surgery, the Whip was in good spirits and spoke to his wife by phone,” his office said in a statement. “He is grateful for the brave actions of U.S. Capitol Police, first responders, and colleagues. We ask that you keep the Whip and others harmed in this incident in your thoughts and prayers.”

Sen. Bernard Sanders took to the Senate floor Wednesday to condemn the morning attack on Republican members of Congress, saying he was horrified to learn that the suspect had been a campaign volunteer for his presidential bid last year.

The suspect, identified as James T. Hodgkinson, was killed by police officers assigned to guard Rep. Steve Scalise.

Hodgkinson had made comments online blasting President Trump, and praising Democratic socialism — Mr. Sanders’ campaign philosophy