Shots Fired on Republican Lawmakers

Republican lawmakers practicing for a charity baseball game just outside Washington, became the target of an out-of-state gunman.

By
Preya Samsundar
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Image Credit: Architect of the Capitol

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Shots were fired at Republican members of Congress as they practiced for a charity baseball game against congressional Democrats, Wednesday morning.

According to a report from CNN, James Hodgkinson, 66, of Belleville, Illinois, shot between 50 and 100 rounds from a rifle at members of the Republican team.

Minnesota Reps. Erik Paulsen (R-MN) and Tim Walz (D-MN) were named to their respective teams for 2017.

Alpha News spoke with the communications director from Paulsen’s D.C. office Wednesday morning. He said Paulsen was not at the practice in Alexandria. Paulsen, who spoke with WCCO radio later in the morning said he was on his way to meet with constituents at the White House.

Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), the House Majority Whip and third ranking member of the Republican House was shot in the hip. Zach Barth, a legislative aide for Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX), Matt Mika, a lobbyist for Tyson, a leader in the food industry, and two Capitol Hill police officers were also shot, CNN reports.

According to The Hill’s Joe Concha, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) confirmed this morning that Hodgkinson was a volunteer on his presidential campaign.

“My prayers go out to the victims of the congressional baseball practice shooting. Thank you to Capitol Police for your heroism and service,” Walz wrote on Twitter. “The Congressional Baseball Game is a cherished bipartisan event for charity spent w/ family. This horrific act won’t shake our common bonds.”

“Sending sincere prayers to my friend Whip Steve Scalise and all those injured in this morning’s senseless shooting. We are also praying for the officers injured as they worked to protect the innocent Members of Congress, staff, and others present at baseball practice today,” Rep. Tom Emmer told Alpha News Wednesday morning. “Capitol Police work tirelessly to ensure our safety each and every day, and we are so thankful for their bravery. We are grateful they were present to end the attack as swiftly as possible. They are heroes today and always.”

President Donald Trump, who gave a brief speech on this morning’s incident, announced that Hodgkinson has died from shots fired by Capitol Police.

Here is how other Minnesota politicians in Washington reacted to this mornings news:

Preya Samsundar

Preya Samsundar was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. She graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities this Spring with a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology, with a minor in Strategic Communications. Preya has previously worked on several State Campaign Races.

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