Update 8:42 p.m.: The suspect was killed in a shootout with police. He has been identified as James Hodgkinson, a 66-year-old Bernie Sanders supporter and volunteer who lamented Trump's presidency. He “liked” a number of leftist Facebook pages, including the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).
“We’re aware that the SPLC was among hundreds of groups that the man identified as the shooter “liked” on Facebook,” the group said in a statement condemning the attack and “all forms of violence.”
“It’s Time to Destroy Trump & Co,” Hodgkinson had posted on Facebook.
Scalise is in critical condition at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Trump has just arrived there.
NEW: @SenSanders set to deliver stmt on floor. Was informed shooter apparently volunteered on campaign, is “sickened by this despicable act” pic.twitter.com/mHEhHwRhby
— Hallie Jackson (@HallieJackson) June 14, 2017
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, June 14, 2017 (LifeSiteNews) – Pro-life Majority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise, R-LA, was shot this morning in what other members of Congress are saying was an attack because of his beliefs.
Scalise was shot at a congressional baseball practice. At least one staffer was also shot, as were two members of the Capitol Police. Various media are reporting Scalise is in stable condition. No one has been reported killed. The gunman is apparently in police custody.
Rep. Mark Walker, R-NC, told NBC that it seemed the gunman “was there to kill as many Republican members as possible.”
Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-FL, told FOX News: “There was a guy that walked up to us that was asking whether it was Republicans or Democrats out there, and it was just a little odd.”
New video shows Steve Scalise on a stretcher moments after being shot during baseball practice in Alexandria, Va. https://t.co/IWK3lMJ8r5 pic.twitter.com/3XZdnnyXvS
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 14, 2017
Police on the scene are calling the shooting a “deliberate attack.”
The shooting comes just days after the “assassination” of a Julius Caesar resembling President Trump in a publicly-funded play. It comes several weeks after D-list comedian Kathy Griffin held up a bloody effigy of a beheaded Trump.
Scalise's office released a statement saying he is undergoing surgery.
Students for Life of America posted on Facebook an image of Scalise speaking at one of their rallies, saying they are offering prayers for him.
Other pro-life groups expressed their prayers and concern for Scalise and the others shot.
Please join us in praying for @SteveScalise & others who were shot today while playing baseball in Washington, D.C. https://t.co/6pDK1haMis pic.twitter.com/tLfABCGCmL
— Susan B Anthony List (@SBAList) June 14, 2017
Trump called Scalise a “true friend and patriot.”
Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 14, 2017
Rep. Scalise is well-known for his pro-life views.
“As House Majority Whip, he has been involved in plans to defund abortion giant Planned Parenthood,” reported Live Action.
“His plan was to use the reconciliation process to strip taxpayer dollars from Planned Parenthood — under scrutiny for corruption, rising abortions, and the return of minors to their sexual abusers. Federal taxpayer dollars would be redirected to comprehensive health care clinics around the nation that do not commit abortions but outnumber Planned Parenthood by the thousands,” the group reported.
LifeSiteNews will continue to provide updates as they become available.