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Congressman Steve Scalise Among 5 Shot At Alexandria, Virginia Baseball Field

Cliff Owen
/
AP Photo
Police and emergency personnel are seen near the scene where House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of La. was shot during a Congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Va., Wednesday, June 14, 2017.

Last updated at 8:57 a.m.

President Donald Trump says the assailant in the congressional shooting has died from his injuries.

Trump said Wednesday morning that the gunman who shot Rep. Steve Scalise, of Louisiana, had died. The assailant has been identified as James T. Hodgkinson.

Scalise was shot at a congressional baseball practice just outside of Washington. Officials said several other people were also wounded. Trump said Scalise "was badly wounded and is now in stable condition."

Trump praised the "heroic actions" of the Capitol Police at the scene.

Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown says five people were taken to hospitals. It was not immediately clear how many of those were law enforcement officers.

Scalise, who was shot in the hip, was transported to a Washington hospital and was undergoing surgery. He is in stable condition.

"Prior to entering surgery, the whip was in good spirits and spoke to his wife by phone. He is grateful for the brave actions of U.S. Capitol Police, first responders and colleagues," his office said in a statement.

President Donald Trump says he and the vice president are "deeply saddened" by news of a shooting "tragedy" at a congressional baseball game.

The president said in a statement Wednesday that "the Vice President and I are aware of the shooting incident in Virginia and are monitoring developments closely."

The president tweeted Wednesday, "Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover."

Alexandria police say the suspect is in custody.

Washington Sen. Patty Murray tweeted Wednesday, "I am shocked and devastated to hear about this appalling act of violence and cowardice in Virginia this morning."

Sen. Maria Cantwell tweeted, "My thoughts are with Rep. Scalise, Capitol Police, their families and those injured this morning, praying for everyone's safety and recovery."

Congressman Dave Reichert tweeted, "Praying for the quick & full recovery of my friend and colleague Steve Scalise and those injured this morning."

A tweet from Congresswoman Cathy McMorris-Rodgers on Wednesday, "Horrifying news of Steve Scalise, aides and Capitol Police shooting. Join me praying for him, his wife Jennifer, kids, staff and all involved."

US Capitol Police say they have 'robust police presence' around the Capitol, but the building is still open.

In a statement, the Capitol Police say, "Out of an abundance of caution, the USCP has deployed a robust police presence throughout the Capitol Complex."

The statement does not mention any of the victims by name. The statement says, "The incident involved a member of Congress and USCP personnel."

The Capitol Police say they are "investigating a shooting that occurred off Capitol Grounds."

This is a developing story.