Today, June 14, at about 07:00 local time, an unidentified man opened fire from a semiautomatic rifle at the congressional Republicans who were practicing on the baseball field before scheduled for Thursday charity game.
It happened seven miles (11 km) from Washington, in Alexandria, Virginia. There are wounded, according to preliminary data there are four of them, however, there were reports about a larger number.
4 people shot near sports field in Alexandria on Monroe Ave. At least on person airlifted to hospital. @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/HsrnbgFN78
— Larry Miller (@LarryMillerTV) June 14, 2017
«Four people shot near a Playground in Alexandria on Monroe Avenue. At least one of them was transported by helicopter to the hospital.»
Republican Congressman from Florida , Ron DeSantis, who managed to leave the area for a few minutes before the attack, reported to the media that when he approached his car, approached a passerby and asked who’s in training right now: Democrats or Republicans. And three minutes later, after the politician said that the Republicans, he heard shooting. It lasted about 10 minutes, said DeSantis.
Morris Brooks represents Alabama in the lower house of Congress, said that he heard 50 to 100 rounds, and on the field at that time were 15-25 people.
Among the victims was a member of the house of representatives from Louisiana Steve Scales, from Texas, Roger Williams, and their assistants. In addition, there are reports about the injury of two policemen. All were taken to George Washington University Hospital.
Steve Scales was wounded in the thigh, but doctors have described his condition as stable. By the way, the politician is a known ally of Donald trump and supports his immigration policies.
The President already knows about the incident and made the following statement: “the Vice-President and I are aware of the shooting incident in Virginia and closely follow the development of events. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the members of Congress, their staff, Capitol police, those who immediately responded to the emergency, and all other victims”.
Donald trump also wished to mention Steve Scalise in his Twitter:
Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will recover fully. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 14, 2017
«Member of the house of representatives Steve Scales from Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was seriously injured, but he will fully recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.»
As reported by Fox News, the gunman got shot by police, was arrested and taken to the same hospital as the victims. However, the Senator from Utah’s Michael Lee reported that the man was already dead.
ALERT: APD investigating multiple shooting 400 block E Monroe St. Suspect believed in custody. Stay from area, let emergency vehicles thru.
— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) June 14, 2017
«Alarm: Alexandria police are investigating a multiple shooting at 400 E Monroe St. A suspect is in custody. Avoid this area so as not to interfere with emergency vehicles».
