A rifle-wielding attacker opened fire on Republican lawmakers at a congressional baseball practice earlier today, wounding House GOP Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana and several others. Scalise is in critical condition following surgery, and the shooter, identified as James Hodgkinson, later died of his injuries following a shootout with police.
Here are responses to today's violence from Virginia's congressional representatives, Governor Terry McAuliffe, and from the two gubernatorial nominees:
1st District Representative Rob Wittman - Republican
“My thoughts and prayers are with my colleagues who were at the Congressional Baseball Game practice this morning, their staff, Capitol Police, and first responders. While I was not present this morning, I've played in the game in the past and attended these practices. It is horrifying to think of my teammates and others in attendance being attacked in this way and I want them to know they have my support during this difficult time.”
2nd District Representative Scott Taylor - Republican
“Please keep Representative Scalise and those injured in your prayers. The act of a spineless coward to shoot unarmed individuals is reprehensible. We are very thankful for the Capitol Police who put their lives on the line to protect us.”
3rd District Representative Bobby Scott - Democrat
“I was shocked and saddened to learn of this morning’s shooting at a Congressional baseball practice. My thoughts and prayers are with House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, my colleagues, their staff, their families, and the United States Capitol Police Officers who responded heroically to stop the shooter. I will continue to monitor developments of this horrific incident closely.”
4th District Representative Donald McEachin - Democrat
My thoughts & prayers are w/ my colleagues, their staffers, & the Capitol Police Officers who were senselessly, brutally attacked today.
— Rep. Donald McEachin (@RepMcEachin) June 14, 2017
I will join my colleagues on the Floor. https://t.co/abisaZUxGa
— Rep. Donald McEachin (@RepMcEachin) June 14, 2017
5th District Representative Tom Garrett - Republican
Prayers for my friend @SteveScalise and all others involved in this senseless attack on our public servants: https://t.co/qw4HEKdwdz
— Tom Garrett (@Rep_Tom_Garrett) June 14, 2017
6th District Representative Bob Goodlatte - Republican
“This morning’s tragic incident has reverberated throughout the Capitol. My prayers are with Congressman Steve Scalise, a good friend, and all of those injured in this vicious attack. I ask that you also lift them up in your prayers. I thank the law enforcement officers who stand guard over the Capitol complex and protect Members of Congress, our staff, and visitors each day. I will continue to monitor this situation as more information comes available.”
7th District Representative Dave Brat - Republican
“While I am not a member of the Congressional Baseball team we all celebrate this bipartisan game every year that raises money for charity and brings us all together as friends. Today my thoughts and prayers go out to GOP Whip Steve Scalise, members of his security detail, and others potentially injured in today’s tragic shooting in Alexandria, Virginia. I watched the news unfold with a couple dozen members from both sides of the aisle in the gym this morning. We can disagree on policy and politics, but as one of my Democrat colleagues reminded me this morning, we are all in this together. The U.S. Capitol police are the heroes today.”
8th District Representative Don Beyer - Democrat
See my statement regarding this morning's tragic shooting in Alexandria. pic.twitter.com/Mifypkzorp
— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) June 14, 2017
9th District Representative Morgan Griffith - Republican
“This morning’s attack was terrible and my prayers are with my friends and colleagues, Congressional staffers, and the police men and women, all who were in harm’s way. I hope Congressman Steve Scalise and all who were injured have a speedy recovery. Our prayers are also with all who were present at the shooting.”
“As we wait for more information, we must remember that we are all Americans, even when we disagree. In my experience, Members of Congress, whether Republican or Democrat, are trying to do what they believe is best for the country.”
10th District Representative Barbara Comstock - Republican
“The heroic actions today by the U.S. Capitol Police officers at the scene of the shooting saved the lives of my colleagues and congressional staff members. Our Capitol Police officers and colleagues who went to the aid of the victims are true heroes. Every day Capitol Police put their lives on the line to protect Members of Congress, staff, and the public who come to Capitol Hill. Congress came together as one today. As Speaker Ryan said, an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. My husband, Chip, and our family are praying for a speedy recovery of my friend and colleague Majority Whip Steve Scalise, the staff members, and the Capitol Police officers who are recovering from their injuries.”
11th District Representative Gerry Connolly - Democrat
Praying for Rep. Scalise and those affected by today's horrific shooting. Thank you to our brave first responders and Capitol police.
— Rep. Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) June 14, 2017
Despite today's shooting we're on the job at Foreign Affairs Comm hearing with @StateDept Tillerson. Our work cannot be diverted by violence
— Rep. Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) June 14, 2017
Senator Tim Kaine - Democrat
“I am praying for Representative Scalise and all hurt in the outrageous attack this morning in Alexandria. Thank you to the Capitol Police, Alexandria Police, first responders and everyone helping those harmed.”
Senator Mark Warner - Democrat
Prayers for Steve Scalise & others injured. Grateful this and every day for our brave police & first responders.
— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) June 14, 2017
Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe
"Dorothy and I are shocked and deeply saddened by this horrible act of violence against members of congress, law enforcement and other innocent people who were simply enjoying an early morning baseball practice. We are praying for swift recoveries for those who were injured and we are thankful for the bravery and quick action of U.S. Capitol Police and local first responders to stop the attacker and treat those who were wounded. Virginia public safety officials are coordinating with local responders and we will continue to monitor this situation and make every resource available."
Republican Gubernatorial Nominee Ed Gillespie
Join @CathyGillespie and me in praying for Steve Scalise and members of USCP injured this morning.
— Ed Gillespie (@EdWGillespie) June 14, 2017
In light of today’s tragic event in Alexandria, we are canceling our remaining campaign events. Please pray for those injured & Virginia.
— Ed Gillespie (@EdWGillespie) June 14, 2017
Democratic Gubernatorial Nominee Ralph Northam
What happened in Alexandria is horrifying. Praying for all those affected.
— Ralph Northam (@RalphNortham) June 14, 2017