United States Republican Party politician and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise was shot during baseball practice in Virginia, The New York Times reported on Wednesday. Alexandria Police said they have handed over the investigation into the incident to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Washington Field Office. The gunman, identified as Illinois resident James T Hodgkinson, succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital, ABC News reported.
“The assailant has now died from his injuries,” United States President Donald Trump said. The shooter’s social media accounts had anti-Donald Trump posts, CNN reported. Trump and his wife Melania later visited Scalise in hospital, where he is believed to be in critical condition.
The shooting happened on E Monroe Avenue in Del Ray, Alexandria in Virgina. Police said that a gunman opened fire on Scalise and his aides on Wednesday morning. Around 50 shots were fired by the gunman. In an official statement, the police added that they received a report of an “active shooter” at 7.09 am Eastern Time (4.39 pm Indian Standard Time).
The police added on Twitter that the suspect was in custody, and asked people to stay away from the area to let emergency vehicles pass through. They said that the victims were being taken to hospitals.
US House of Representatives member Mo Brooks told CNN that Scalise was on deck at a practice for the congressional baseball team when the shooting occurred. Scalise was shot in the hip, and two Capitol Hill police agents were also shot, he said.
Brooks said there were a number of congressmen and congressional staffers lying on the ground, and at least one of them was wounded. Brooks added that he used his belt as a tourniquet to help one of the victims.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer tweeted to say US President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have been briefed about the attack.
Trump said, “Representative Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.”
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!