U. S. Senator Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, was present at the scene of a multiple shooting in Alexandria, Virginia.
Embed
Share
Embed
Share
Embed
Share
Embed
Share
Embed
Share
Embed
Share
Embed
Share
Saying that a « massacre » had been prevented, U. S. Senator Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, praised Capitol Police after a gunman opened fire as congressmen and aides were practicing for an upcoming congressional baseball game in Alexandria, Virginia.
« I was there and am shaken but unharmed, » Paul said in a statement. « Many people likely would have died this morning if not for the bravery of Capitol Police. My thanks to them are inadequate but heartfelt. »
Paul told MSNBC’s Morning Joe that he was in the batting cage when the incident occurred and was not injured.
Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., the majority « whip » in the House, was in stable condition after being shot in the hip and was undergoing surgery, his office said in a statement.
Capitol Police officers were at the practice when the shooting began and quickly returned fire, spokesman Matthew Verderosa said. Alexandria Chief Michael Brown said his officers arrived three minutes after the first emergency call came in at 7: 09 a.m. ET, and two of them joined the gunfight.
« 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. »
Senator Joe Donnelly, D-Indiana, a member of the Democratic baseball team was not present at the field but shared his support for his fellow congressmen.
« I am shocked & praying for the safety & recovery of my friend Steve Scalise & all the others shot, including the officers, » Donnelly tweeted. « I was practicing at the time with the Democratic team in DC and am okay. »
Gov. Matt Bevin also tweeted his support and prayers for the victims.
Kentucky Republican Reps. John Yarmuth and Rep. James Comer were not present at the baseball game but tweeted messages of support.
The Kentucky GOP also voiced their support for Scalise.
According to USA Today, Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., said the shooting occurred at the field where the Republican baseball team practices. The practice session was almost over when the shooting occurred, he said.
“I heard a bang, and I thought it sounded like a gun. I never saw a shooter, » he said. « 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 staffs. “Many have been shot, but a lot like me got bloody running for cover, ” he said.
“It is just a madhouse here, ” Fleischmann said. “It’s horrible. I’ ve never experienced anything like that.”
My statement on the shooting this AM in Alexandria. pic.twitter.com/jrZxdqTchD
ALERT: APD investigating multiple shooting 400 block E Monroe St. Suspect believed in custody. Stay from area, let emergency vehicles thru.
Prayers for @SteveScalise, the staffers and the Capitiol Police officers who were shot today in Virginia.
My & TJ’s thoughts & prayers are with @SteveScalise. I am not on the Congressional Baseball Team, so I was not where the shootings occurred.
My staff and I are all safe. Thinking of my colleagues, Capitol Police officers, & all involved in this horrific incident.
Our prayers are with @SteveScalise and others who were just shot and injured while playing softball at a park… Senseless disregard for life
(1/2) I am shocked & praying for the safety & recovery of my friend Steve Scalise & all the others shot, including the officers. -Joe
(2/2) I was practicing at the time with the Democratic team in DC and am okay. -Joe
