Chesco's Rep. Costello Was Supposed To Be At Congressional Baseball Practice When Shooting Took Place

Horror struck a Congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning when five people were shot. Chester County Rep. Ryan Costello says he was supposed to be there.

Costello said he missed his ride to the field by two minutes. Had he arrived, he would have played shortstop, just feet away from second base, which is where House Majority Whip Steven Scalise was shot in the hip.

"While I am fine, I am praying for my colleagues, Majority Whip Scalise, police, and staff," Costello said in a statement.

The shooter who has has been identified as James T. Hodgkinson of Belleville, Illinois, by multiple media outlets, has died.

Capitol Police officers and members of Scalise's protective detail were also injured in the shooting. Scalise was taken by helicopter from the scene and is out of surgery and is recovering.

Witnesses have estimated at least 50 rounds were fired from what authorities described as an M4 assault weapon and the suspect also carried a handgun as he moved from the outfield to the infield firing. Congressman took cover in the dugouts as the bullets rained down and Capitol Police exchanged gunfire with the suspect before eventually capturing him.

The Congressional baseball game has been played every year since 1909 between Republicans and Democrats in the House.

For full coverage of the shooting see here.

With reporting from 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). Second photo of Rep. Ryan Costello courtesy his office.