Local Congress Members React To Alexandria Shooting

Local members of Congress reacted to the shooting at a congressional baseball game practice Wednesday morning in Alexandria, VA. Congressman Steve Scalise, R-LA, the House majority whip, was shot in the hip. Two police officers and two other were also wounded before the gunman was killed in a shootout with Virginia and U.S. Capital Police.

Rep. Nita M. Lowey, D-Harrison, called the attack cowardly and condemned it in the strongest possible terms.

“As I keep the victims and their loved ones in my heart, I am thankful for the courage of the U.S. Capitol Police and the Alexandria Police Department who responded fearlessly in the face of great danger, saving many lives,” she said.

“Above all else, we are Americans,” Lowey said. “Today and every day, the things that unite us will always be far stronger than those that divide us.”

Rep. John Faso, R-Kinderhook, said he and his wife, Mary Fran, were praying for the victims of Wednesday’s shooting.

“Thank you to our law enforcement and first responders who rushed to save lives,” he said.

Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, D-Cold Spring, also offered his prayers for the victims.

“The Congressional Baseball game is a time-honored tradition in the spirit of charity and bipartisanship — we must honor that tradition,” he said.

“Today is a good reminder that while we can get caught up in labels and parties, what ultimately matters is that we are all people and we are all Americans,” Maloney said.

The shooter was identified by the president as James T. Hodgkinson, 66, of Belleville, IL. He later died of his wounds.

Photo caption: 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, VA Wednesday, June 14. Photo credit: AP Photo/Cliff Owen.