Congressman Leonard Lance Sends Prayers To Colleagues Injured By Shooting

Congressman Leonard Lance sent out prayers after five people were shot Wednesday morning while Republican members of Congress were holding baseball practice in Alexandria, Va.

Lance posted a statement on his Facebook page sending prayers to House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, who was among those shot and Rep. Roger Williams who was injured.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to my friend Steve Scalise and his family as well as the others wounded in this morning’s cowardly attack. May God speed their recovery. I commend our U.S. Capitol Police, other law enforcement and the first responders for their actions in the line of fire. Their heroism undoubtedly saved lives and we are forever grateful for their bravery. These fine men and women have a challenging job every day. Today’s senseless act of violence is not only an attack on my colleagues but an attack on the Congress of the United States as an institution. We must come together as a country and debate the great issues of public policy in a respectful and thoughtful fashion. Let us all remember that we are one Nation under God," Lance said in a statement.

Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown said that the five people were taken to area hospitals for treatment. Only the identity of Scalise has been made public.

The shooter was in police custody, and has been identified as James T. Hodgkinson of Belleville, Illinois, by multiple media outlets.

Scalise of Louisiana, a member of Team GOP and the No. 3 ranking Republican in the House, was taken by helicopter from the scene. The congressman, who was shot in the hip, was undergoing surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, according to a statement from his office.

"Prior to entering surgery, the Whip was in good spirits and spoke to his wife by phone. He is grateful for the brave actions of U.S. Capitol Police, first responders, and colleagues," the statement said.

Scalise, a second baseman for the team, and members of his protective detail were shot by a suspect described by witnesses as a white man in his 50s. Click here for full coverage of the shooting in Alexandria.

With reporting by Elizabeth Janney.

Pictured, police and emergency personnel are seen near the scene where House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana was shot during a Congressional baseball practice in Alexandria on Wednesday, June 14. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen). Also, in a photo from Tuesday, June 13, Steve, joined by Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., far right, and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., comments on health care for veterans during a news conference at Republican National Committee Headquarters on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)