«We are obviously outraged and appalled by this act of violence against the congressman, his security detail and his staff, the parish GOP said.
The Republican Party of St. Tammany Parish, which is part of U. S. Rep. Steve Scalise ‘s 1 st Congressional District, said it was «outraged and appalled» by Wednesday’s (June 14) shooting that left Scalise and others injured in Alexandria, Va. GOP leaders in St. Tammany called for prayers and patience while authorities investigate the shooting, which occurred as members of the GOP practiced baseball. «Our most noble focus at this time must be to give care, prayer and support to those who were most directly impacted.»
The shooting sent «shock waves» throughout the district and the nation, the statement said.
«Steve has been a friend to many of us personally and has been a remarkable public servant throughout his career, » said Larry Frieman, chair of the St. Tammany Republican Parish Executive Committee. «While details are still coming in, the best things we can offer are prayers and patience while local authorities in Virginia and Federal investigators determine what happened — and what is appropriate to make public.»
Former state Sen. A. G. Crowe and St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister also issued statements about the shooting.
Said Crowe: «It’s so sad to hear about my good friend and colleague Steve Scalise this morning. We were roommates, seatmates and worked together for many years in the Louisiana legislature. Our prayers have already included him, his family and the others injured.»
In her statement, Brister called Scalise «an advocate for St. Tammany Parish, as well as for Louisiana.
«We are keeping Steve, the other victims of this attack, and their families, in our prayers. Steve is a dear friend who I have known since he was a young boy. He is a dedicated public servant.»
