Alexandria Police Officers Awarded Medal Of Honor: Watch

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Three officers that responded to the June 14 shooting at a Congressional baseball practice in Alexandria received the Capitol Police Medal of Honor Thursday.

Alexandria Police Officers Kevin Jobe, Nicole Battaglia and Alexander Jensen, along with Capitol Police Special Agents Crystal Griner and David Bailey, were honored with the award, the highest given by Capitol Police.

“The bravery of these officers makes me proud to be chief of police,” Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa said during the ceremony.

The three Alexandria officers arrived within minutes of 911 calls after a gunman opened fire on a Republican Congressional baseball practice at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park. Special Agents Griner and Bailey were already there as part of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise's protective detail, and they immediately engaged the shooter.

Griner and Bailey were injured in the shooting that left Scalise in critical condition. Legislative aide Zach Barth and lobbyist for Tyson Foods Matt Mika were also injured.

The gunman, identified as James. T. Hodgkinson, 66, of Illinois, was shot several times by officers and died that day of his injuries.

Scalise, the most seriously injured in the shooting, was awarded the Medal of Merit. "This could have been a tragedy like so many others, and it wasn't because of their heroism,” he said at the ceremony. Scalise returned to the House in September.

Other speakers at the ceremony included House Speaker Paul Ryan, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

The five officers have received a number of honors recognizing their bravery, including the Medal of Valor from President Trump. Watch the Capitol Police Medal of Honor ceremony below.

Image via Youtube screenshot