A member of the US Congress was shot | President Trump's remarks; the shooter was killed
On Wednesday morning, House Republican Deputy Majority Leader Steve Scalise was shot multiple times while playing baseball in a practice game. President Trump confirmed Wednesday afternoon that the shooter had died from his injuries.
According to Fox News, the 51-year-old representative was shot in the state of Virginia near the US capital and was rushed to the hospital.
Eyewitnesses said that before shooting, the attacker asked those around him whether Republicans or Democrats were practicing at the location.
Local authorities have confirmed that Mr. Sekalis was shot in the thigh and that a congressional aide was also shot in the chest.
The White House announced that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the shooting and Mr. Scalise's injury.
"Steve Scalise of Louisiana is a true friend and patriot. He was badly injured but will recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with the members of Congress," Mr. Trump tweeted.
Shooting details
Reuters reported that the shooting occurred as some Republican members of the Republican Party were practicing for a charity game scheduled for Thursday. The shooting occurred in Alexandria, Virginia, a few miles from Washington.
One witness said that 20 to 25 Republican lawmakers were present at the time of the shooting.
The shooting began at 7:15 a.m. and lasted about 10 minutes. Police say the gunman fired more than 50 shots.
The shooter is said to have been arrested. Police confirmed that the attacker had been shot. On Wednesday afternoon, President Trump confirmed that the shooter had died from his injuries.
Reuters described the attacker as an obese white man.
About Steve Scalise
Mr. Scalise, 51, has been in the House of Representatives since 2008 from Louisiana's 1st district. He is a Republican and is currently the deputy majority leader of the House of Representatives. Before that, he served in the state Assembly for 12 years.
Born in New Orleans in 1965, Scalise is a father of two. He studied political science at Louisiana State University.
He was a supporter of Donald Trump in last year's presidential election and earlier this year supported the US president's executive order to ban travel from citizens of six predominantly Muslim countries.
Source: Voice of America
