Texas Lawmakers Come Under Gunfire While Practicing For Charity Game

THE WOODLANDS, TX — Four Texas lawmakers were among those taking part in a charity baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia, when a man armed with a rifle took aim at the baseball diamond and began randomly shooting.

The incident was reported shortly after 7 a.m. at the Eugene Simpson Stadium Park, when a man, later identified as James T. Hodgkinson, 66, began firing an automatic rifle at the players and the protective detail on the field. (Want to get daily updates about traffic news and other events going on in your area? Sign up for the free Houston Patch morning newsletter.)

Five people were shot, including a staff member, identified as Zack Barth, for U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, a Republican from Austin.

Barth, who according to a KHOU report, is from the Houston area sustained a minor gunshot woundand is expected to fully recover.

House Majority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise, a Republican from Louisiana; and several members of Scalise’s protective detail, who exchanged gunfire with Hodgkinson were also wounded, officials said.

Officials said Hodgkinson fired at least 50 rounds at the players.

During the exchange of gunfire, Hodgkinson was wounded and later died, the Houston Chronicle reported

Police said Hodgkinson was in custody but would not comment on whether or not he had been shot by police.

The Texas Tribune reported that several Texas lawmakers were participating in the morning practice including U.S. Reps Kevin Brady, Mike Conaway, Joe Barton and Williams, who were preparing for the annual Congressional Baseball Game, a charity baseball event between Democrats and Republicans.

Brady, who’d left practice moments before the shooting began, released a statement commending law enforcement officials for their swift action and offering thoughts and prayers for Scalise and the others who were injured.

“The quick action of Majority Whip Steve Scalise’s protection detail saved many lives this morning," Brady said. "I am so grateful for the heroic action of the Capitol Hill Police Force protection detail and pray for the full recovery of my roommate Congressman Steve Scalise and others wounded this morning.”

Read More: Alexandria Shooting: Rep. Scalise, 4 Others Hit By Gunfire

Patch Staff Tony Cantu and Elizabeth Janney contributed to this report.

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