Staffer For Austin Congressman Shot Outside D.C. During Baseball Batting Practice (UPDATED)

AUSTIN, TX — The aide of an Austin congressman is among those who were shot Wednesday morning near Washington, D.C., by an unidentified gunman.

Five people were shot at about 7 a.m. when a gunman arrived at a baseball practice ahead of a congressional baseball game scheduled on Thursday. Roger Williams, a Republican lawmaker representing Austin, confirmed in an email that a member of his staff was among those shot. The suspect was shot by police, succumbing to his wounds while hospitalized.

Some two hours after the shooting, Williams identified the injured aide as Zack Barth, a legislative correspondent in his office. According to Barth's Facebook page, he hails from Houston and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2015.

He is receiving medical attention but is doing well and is expected to make a full recovery.
— Rep. Roger Williams (@RepRWilliams) June" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/RepRWillia... 14, 2017

Barth also took to Twitter to let people know he was recovering in the hospital after being shot, and he is expected to make a full recovery. The aide's Twitter account is protected, but some media outlets have been able to grab screen shots of his posts.

The congressman was at the practice when the incident occurred but was not shot, he confirmed through the spokesperson. At a later press conference describing the experience, Williams walked to the lectern with the aid of crutches after sustaining injuries to his leg and ankle when he dove into a dugout with Barth as cover from the gunfire, he told reporters.

In total, five people—including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and two Capitol Police officers—were wounded in the shooting, according to media reports. As of late Wednesday, Scalise—who arguably sustained the worst of the injuries to his hip area—was in critical condition after undergoing surgery. In a press conference, an FBI official identified the dead shooter as James T. Hodgkinson, 66, of Belleville, Ill.

Related story: U.S. Congressman From Texas Recounts Horror Of Baseball Field Shooting Outside D.C.

Williams was among those in attendance at the batting practice ahead of a charity baseball game against their Democratic colleagues planned for Thursday. During his press conference, Williams said the game would go on as scheduled, and he'd be coaching third base even while in crutches.

Williams said the Republican baseball team holds practice every morning at 6:30 a.m. ET at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park in Alexandria, Virginia. Williams has been the coach of the team since he joined Congress in 2013, he noted in the email. Williams represents the Texas 25th congressional district stretching from Tarrant County in the north to Hays County in the south and encompassing much of the Texas Hill Country and Austin.

Williams has kept his constituents updated on the situation via his social media accounts on Twitter and Facebook.

Gov. Greg Abbott joined other state lawmakers in sending thoughts and prayers to those affected by the shooting.

On Wednesday afternoon, Austin Police Department Interim Chief Brian Manley issued a statement in reaction to the shooting. Given its status as the Texas capital, Austin sees untold thousands of people congregating outside the Capitol for various causes to which they seek attention along with others entering the state building as visitors each year—dynamics requiring extra vigilance from law enforcement.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved in today’s tragic event in Alexandria, Virginia," Manley said. "Austin is the capital of Texas and we often have many congressman visiting our great city. On that note, anytime incidents of this type occur, we take them seriously and continually monitor any and all threats.

While the APD continually revises its security measures depending on each situation, he urged the public to also be vigilant for suspicious behavior to which police should be alerted.

"The Austin Police Department works closely with our public safety partners both locally and federally," Manley said. "APD will make necessary adjustments to security needs should they arise. We cannot stress the importance of if you see something, say something. Report any suspicious behavior or activity by calling 911."

According to information found in his bio, Rep. Williams is an avid baseball fan: "Outside of legislating, Williams’ love of baseball has followed him to the Capitol," his bio reads. "Williams is the chair of the bipartisan Congressional Baseball Caucus and coach of the Republican Congressional Baseball Team." Williams' baseball background is amplified in his Wikipedia entry. A star baseball player for Texas Christian University from 1968-71, he attempted to play professionally with a stint with the Atlanta Braves farm team.

Like Texas, Virginia is an "open carry" state, meaning that gun owners are allowed to openly display their firearms. In Virginia, it's legal in most places to carry a firearm with or without a concealed handgun permit, as noted in the Virginia Citizens Defense League website. The ability to openly carry with or without a CHP earned the state a "Gold Star" rating by OpenCarry.org officials.

This is a developing story. Patch will update when more details become available.

Related stories:

5 People Shot, Including House Majority Whip, At Virginia Baseball Field: Authorities

Kevin Brady, Other Texas Lawmakers Come Under Fire While Practicing For Charity Game

>>> Photo of Roger Williams via U.S. House of Representatives