House Majority Whip Steve Scalise was among five people injured during a shooting while Congress members and staffers were practicing at a baseball field in Alexandria Wednesday morning.
He repeatedly praised the Capitol Police officers and first responders who quickly mobilized to the softball field where the Republican baseball team was practicing ahead of Thursday night's charity game against a Democratic team.
He said in a televised statement from the White House that while the political parties may have their differences, it's worth remembering that everyone who serves in Washington is here because they love the United States. Scalise's office released a statement that said he is "undergoing surgery" and "in stable condition".
U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren, R-Plano: "We're all praying together now in the Capitol for our colleagues, staff, Capitol Police, the families and all affected by this senseless shooting in Alexandria".
Filous said she saw the shooter wound a uniformed law enforcement officer, who was later evacuated by helicopter.
Hodgkinson died of his injuries, President Donald Trump said in his address to the country.
Brown said five people were transported from the scene for medical reasons, but he wouldn't provide details on their conditions.
Brooks said that Scalise, 51, was down on the ground with what Brooks described as "a hip wound".
Scalise, the House Majority Whip, was shot in the hip. An F.B.I. agent working on the case said it was too early to determine a motive for the shooting, the New York Times reported. The Louisiana Representative, other members of Congress, and staff were present.
The annual Congressional Baseball Game is a charitable event held every year, pitting Republicans and Democrats against each other.
"I am alright. This morning was one of just a handful of practices I haven't made it to. Thank you to the Capitol Police officers who demonstrated incredible courage, and by their quick action saved lives", he said.
He said the shooter, who was identified as 66-year-old James T. Hodgkinson of IL, had died after being shot by Capitol Police officers at the scene.
Capitol police said it had increased police presence at the Capitol on Wednesday morning out of "an abundance of caution", as Republican politicians gave vivid descriptions of the shooting.