The No. 3 House Republican from Jefferson, Scalise was in good spirits as he underwent surgery for a gunshot wound, according to his staff.
Congressman Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, was “stable” as he entered an operating room at a Washington hospital after being shot Wednesday morning (June 13) . Three other people were also wounded after a gunman opened fire during a GOP baseball game practice. Police shot the gunman, who was taken into custody.
Scalise was in good spirits at MedStar Washington Hospital after the shooting, his office said. He was shot in the hip during the early morning practice as the Republican team prepared for the annual congressional baseball game.
“Prior to entering surgery, the Whip was in good spirits and spoke to his wife by phone, ” his office’s statement said. “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.”
Scalise was the only member of Congress struck during the shootout when a gunman opened fire from near the third base dugout, according to several reports. Rep. Mo Brooks told the media Scalise’s security detail returned fire, striking the shooter. Five people, including Scalise and the gunman were sent to nearby hospitals.
George Washington Hospital confirmed to NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune it had received two gunshot victims in critical condition but would not identify them, citing medical privacy laws.
United States Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa said the shooter was in custody and no longer a threat, he said.
Around 15 to 20 lawmakers and some staff members had gathered at Eugene Simpson Park in Alexandria, Va., Wednesday morning to gear up for the annual baseball showdown between Republicans and Democrats. Scalise was fielding at second base.
According to several reports that cited witnesses at the scene, a man approached the third base dugout and asked whether the team was Republicans or Democrats before opening fire.
Everyone on the field dropped to the turf and began to crawl toward cover, Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, told Fox News.
Scalise “crawled for a little bit, then he just laid still, ” Wenstrup recalled. “Then he was the only one out on the field.”
Wenstrup, a physician and Iraq War veteran, joined Rep. Mo Brooks, R-S. C., in administering first aid to Scalise. They did a body sweep of Scalise to ensure he had no other injuries, found an entry wound in his leg and applied a tourniquet to slow the bleeding, Wenstrup said. “We found the entry wound and were actually able to put some clotting material on the wound, ” he said.
Scalise was airlifted to the hospital near Howard University.
As news spread about the attack, responses came pouring in from other Louisiana officials.
“This appears to be an outrageous, cowardly attack on one of our own, ” Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “Steve Scalise is a friend, colleague and fighter for the people of Louisiana. While details continue to unfold, I want to thank the Capitol Police, all the first responders and other members of Congress for their quick and heroic efforts.”
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., called for unity .
“That just demonstrates that we need to focus on that we’re not each others enemies, ” Cassidy said. “We are first, children of God, and second, Americans, and that should unite us.” Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans, said he was on his way to the hospital to see Scalise.
Stay with NOLA.com for updates about this developing story.
