House Whip Steve Scalise shot during congressional baseball practice; gunman dead

7 years ago

A gunman unleashed a barrage of gunfire Wednesday at a park in Alexandria, Virginia, as Republican members of Congress held a morning baseball practice, wounding at least five people, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana. 

The suspected gunman is James T. Hodgkinson III, 66, from Illinois, according to multiple law enforcement sources. President Donald Trump announced that the gunman, who was wounded in a shootout with officers, has died at an area hospital.

The wounded also included two Capitol Police officers and a congressional aide, according to one law enforcement official and witness accounts.

Scalise’s office said the congressman was wounded in the hip and had surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa said his officers are in good condition and have not suffered any life-threatening injuries.

Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown said two of his officers engaged in “gunfire and return fire” at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park.

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