Bergen Congressman Reacts To 'Horrific' Shooting That Injured Colleagues

Fifth District Rep. Josh Gottheimer said the shooting of five Republican members of Congress at baseball practice in Alexandra, Virginia, was "horrific."

“My thoughts and prayers are with my colleagues, especially Rep. Steve Scalise, their staffs, and law enforcement following this morning’s horrific shooting, Gottheimer said in a statement. "I’m particularly grateful to the Capitol Police for their heroic work and bravery.

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise was among those shot. 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, James. T. Hodgkinson of Belleville, Illinois, was in police custody, according to 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, his office said in a statement. "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 annual congressional baseball and softball games are examples "of the best of Congress," Gottheimer said.

"Members coming together across party lines in the spirit of cooperation and friendly competition to raise funds for charity," the first-term congressman said. "I hope we can all follow their lead and come together across the country today, realizing that there is far more that unites us as Americans than divides us.”

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.

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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).