As more details unfold about the shooting in Virginia during the congressional baseball practice, Mississippi lawmakers that were there reassure the public.
“My staff and I are safe. We are praying for Rep. Scalise, the staffer and the two Capitol police officers who were injured this morning.”
— Gregg Harper (@GreggHarper) June 14, 2017
I am safe. We continue to pray for my colleagues and their families.
— Trent Kelly (@RepTrentKelly) June 14, 2017
I am safe and fine. Please pray for my colleagues and any staff and their families who were involved in this morning’s shooting.
— Cong. Steven Palazzo (@CongPalazzo) June 14, 2017
According to Fox News, a rifle-wielding gunman, now identified as James T. Hodgkinson, 66, of Belleville, Illinois, opened fire at a congressional baseball practice just outside of Washington earlier Wednesday morning.
Republican house member Steve Scalise of Louisiana was wounded. The House majority whip was in stable condition at George Washington University Hospital, according to one congressional aide.
The shooter died in the hospital.
Rep. Trent Kelly’s office confirmed that he was 20-30 feet away from the gunman when the first shots were fired.
Hodgkinson was wounded by Capitol Police and was taken into custody.
The shooting occurred at a baseball field in Alexandria, Virginia, where lawmakers and others were gathered for a morning practice.
According to Rep. Mo Brooks, an Alabama Republican, two law enforcement officers were believed to be among the others shot.
Representative Trent Kelley, of Mississippi’s 1st district, and Rep. Steven Palazzo, of Mississippi’s 4th district, are part of the GOP softball team that was targeted during this morning’s practice. Both congressmen tweeted that they were safe.
News Mississippi will have more information as it becomes available.
