Simpson Field
Photo credit: New York Times
UPDATE:
The shooter has been identified as 66-year old Belleview, Illinois resident, James Hodgkinson. According to CNN, Hodgkinson frequently made anti-Trump posts on his Facebook page and identified himself as a Bernie Sanders supporter. Authorities have confirmed that Hodgkinson has died from his injuries.
MSN is reporting that shots have been fired at an Arlington, VA baseball field, where several Republicans were gathered for morning practice. House Majority Whip, Steven Scalise and an aide to Rep. Roger Williams were shot. Two other aides were reportedly also wounded. Per reports, a gunman with a rifle opened fire at the GOP baseball practice early Wednesday morning.
The gunman was subsequently shot by U.S. Capitol Police and taken to a local hospital. Officials did note, however, that Senator Mike Lee told Fox News the shooter is dead. Rep, Mo Brooks spoke with FMTALK1065 this morning about the shooting. “Finally, the shooter was shot behind Homeplate as he was circling around to the first base dugout, where there were a number of us Congressman and other folks,” he said.
Rep. Brooks also noted that his security detail was able to incapacitate the shooter who appeared to have been wounded several times. House Whip, Steven Scalise, was shot in the hip and Rep. Brooks used his belt as a tourniquet to help control the bleeding until paramedics arrived. Two law enforcement officers were also injured according to Brooks, one of whom was shot in the leg.
House Majority Whip, Steve Scalise (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Florida Representative, Ron DeSantis, left the practice field right before the shooting started, and said a man stopped him to ask if it was “Democrats or Republicans practicing?” About three minutes later, around 7:15 a.m., the shooting started, which indicates that…
Republicans Were Targeted
Rep, Ron DeSantis (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Along with Scalise, DeSantis, Williams, and Brooks there were 15-25 other people at the field, including Reps. Brad Wenstrup and Chuck Fleischmann. Senators Rand Paul and Jeff Flake were also in attendance. Senator Paul spoke to MSNBC and stated “if Capitol Police were not there, it would’ve been a massacre.” More than 50-100 shots were fired by the gunman according to Brooks, who said the shooter was using the dugout for cover.
Alexandria schools have been placed on lockdown and President Trump is closely monitoring the situation. The president issued a statement of support saying “we are deeply saddened by this tragedy.” “Our thoughts and prayers are with the members of Congress, their staffs, Capitol Police, first responders, and all others affected,” he added.
This is a developing story. We will post more as it unfolds.
