Virginia Shooting: US Lawmaker Scalise Critical, 4 Others Injured
Gunman shoots during US Congressional Baseball practice in Virginia. GOP whip Steve Scalise fired at.
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- A gunman opened fire at a Congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia
- Gunman identified as James Hodgkinson, succumbed to injuries
- GOP Whip Steve Scalise critical after being shot
- 5 people reportedly injured during the attack
- FBI to lead investigation
U.S. Lawmaker Scalise in Critical Condition
Congressman Steve Scalise, the No. 3 Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives, was in critical condition on Wednesday night after he and three others were shot as they practiced for a charity baseball game.
He underwent surgery but would need further operations, the MedStar Washington Hospital Center said.
Shooter Vented Against Trump on Social Media
The suspect, James T Hodgkinson, had raged against United States President Donald Trump on social media, before the shootout.
He is believed by investigators to have been a person "of strong views," the US official said, without elaborating.
His timeline was headed by a cover photo of Bernie Sanders.
The Belleville News-Democrat, a local newspaper, posted a photograph of Hodgkinson protesting outside a post office there in 2012, wearing sunglasses and a goatee and holding a homemade placard that read "TAX the Rich."
Gunman's Neighbour Had Seen Him Shooting in March
William Schaumleffel, one of Hodgkinson's neighbors, recalled how in March he heard gunshots and saw Hodgkinson shooting with a long gun toward woods across a corn field from his yard.
Hodgkinson did not stop, Schaumleffel said, so he filed a report with the sheriff's office.
Hodgkinson's brother, Michael, told The New York Times that, while he was not close to his sibling, he knew he was distraught over Trump's electoral win and went to Washington to protest. "I know he wasn't happy with the way things were going, the election results and stuff," Michael Hodgkinson said.
More About the Shooter, Hodgkinson
Hodgkinson's criminal history included a 2006 arrest on battery charges that were later dismissed, as well as multiple traffic violations, according to state records. Most of the infractions were ultimately dropped.
Hodgkinson had been licensed as a home inspector and a real estate appraiser, but did not renew his home inspector license after it expired last year, state records showed. His license to appraise real estate expired in 1997.
According to his Facebook profile, Hodgkinson went to Belleville Township High School West and studied flight training at Southwestern Illinois College.
Bernie Sanders Condemns Attack
Bernie Sanders on Wednesday condemned the Virginia shooting by stating that violence of any kind was “not acceptable”.
The gunman James Hodgkinson was identified as a Bernie Sanders supporter, from his social media profiles.
Gunman Succumbs to Injuries, Confirms Trump
Addressing the press after the shootout during Congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, US President Donald Trump declared that the assailant James Hodgkinson succumbed to injuries. He also confirmed that the FBI was leading the investigations.
He also said that he had spoken to the head of the Capitol Police, and commended their job, and also praised the Alexandria Police and Fire Department for their timely action.
FBI To Lead Investigation
An official statement by the Alexandria City government said that there was no threat to the residents of the city and that the Federal Bureau of Investigation will be leading the investigation of the attack.
Gunman Identified
The Alexandria police identified the gunman who opened fire during the Congressional baseball practice as 66-year-old James Hodgkinson from Illinois, reported Reuters quoting Washington Post.
House Votes And Political Events Cancelled
House votes and political events were either cancelled or postponed across Washington on Thursday, after a gunman opened fire at a Congressional baseball practice session, reported The Hill.
Two voting periods which had been scheduled in the house has now been rescheduled.
Scalise Undergoing Surgery
A statement released by GOP Whip Steve Scalise’s office confirmed that he was shot in the hip and also said that he was transported to MedStar hospital, where he is currently undergoing surgery.
'It Was A Killing Field': Sen Rand Paul
Senator Rand Paul, who represents Kentucky was also present during the shootout and reportedly described “the field was basically a killing field”.
Senator Jeffery Flake from Arizona claimed that the attack continued for 10 minutes. He said that a security officer was able to return fire and take the gunman down, despite being shot at.
'5 Injured Taken To Hospital': Police
Five people were taken to hospital after a shooting at a baseball field in Alexandria near Washington, where Republican members of Congress were holding baseball practice, the Alexandria police chief said on Wednesday.
The police Chief Michael Brown, however, did not elaborate on the extent of their injuries.
'50-100 Shots Fired': Rep Mo Brooks
In a dramatic blow-by-blow account, Representative Mo Brooks of Alabama told CNN the gunman was armed with a rifle and appeared to be a white male, "a little bit on the chubby side."
Brooks said he saw the man only for a second, and that he was shooting from a chain link fence behind the third base position on the field where the congressional group was holding its morning practice.
Prayers With Scalise, Trump Tweets
US President Donald Trump tweeted that Representative Steve Scalise was a “true friend and patriot”, and that his thoughts and prayers are with the GOP whip. Trump also tweeted he is "deeply saddened" by news of shooting "tragedy" at a congressional baseball game.
Steve Scalise Stable
House Speaker Paul Ryan's office said Steve Scalise's wounds were not believed to be life-threatening, and that he was stable.
The office also added that a member of the security detail was also shot.
Suspect Under Custody: Alexandria Police
Alexandria Police has confirmed that the suspect is in under custody. The suspect reportedly appears to be “white, middle-aged man”. The police added that the injured were taken to the hospital.
The group were practicing for the annual Democrats versus Republicans congressional baseball game that was scheduled to be played on Thursday.
POTUS Briefed Tweets Spicer
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer took to Twitter and said that the President of United States Donald Trump has been briefed about the attack.
Gunman Opens Fire At Congressional Baseball Practice
A gunman opened fire at US Congressional baseball practice in Virginia, USA.
Rep Steve Scalise, Representatives Majority Whip and representative for Louisiana's 1st congressional district has reportedly been shot.
As per reports, more than 50 shots were fired, resulting in casualties.
Further details are awaited.
(Inputs from Reuters)
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