House of Representatives Majority Whip Steve Scalise and his aides were amongst a number of people caught up in gunfire in Virginia.
Police in Alexandria in the state of Virginia, a suburb of Washington DC, are investigating a “multiple shooting” that occurred on Wednesday morning.
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
According to CNN, Scalise is believed to have been shot in the hip in what sources are calling a “deliberate attack” during a practice for the congressional baseball team.
Two Capitol Hill police agents are also believed to have been wounded in the attack; Alexandria Police have since confirmed that the suspect “is in custody and not a threat”.
UPDATE: Suspect is in custody and not a threat. PIO will be onscene shortly to share updates.
— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) June 14, 2017
Republican politician Mo Brooks, who was present at the scene, told CNN that he saw a number of congressmen and congressional staff lying on the ground after the attack and that at least one of them was wounded.
He also said that he used his belt as a tourniquet to help one of the victims.
Alexandria Police said that the victims of the attack had since been taken to hospital; the chief of Alexandria Police is due to comment on the incident later this morning.
APD PIO heading to scene, updates will be posted when available. Victims being transported to hospitals.
— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) June 14, 2017
President Donald Trump issued a statement on the attack on Wednesday morning, saying: “The Vice President and I are aware of the developing shooting incident in Virginia and are monitoring it closely. 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.”
“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.”
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
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