Congressional Shooting: Rep. Beyer Honors First Responders

ALEXANDRIA, VA — After the Alexandria shooting that injured Rep. Steve Scalise and five others, numerous Congressmen hailed Capitol Police officers for their quick action against the gunman. But locals were especially proud when Alexandria Police and other first responders began arriving at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park four minutes after the first 911 call.

These first responders were officially recognized Thursday by Rep. Don Beyer, a Democrat who represents Alexandria. Beyer presented responders with a framed copy of his Congressional Record statement honoring their bravery.

SEE ALSO: Alexandria Congressional Shooting: Police's Use Of Force Under Review

The full text of Beyer's resolution as read on the House floor Wednesday is as follows:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the City of Alexandria’s First Responders to the scene of the shooting at Eugene Simpson Memorial Park in my district in Alexandria, Virginia.

Two weeks ago today, Wednesday, June 14th, around 7:00 a.m., a man fired scores of shots at Members of Congress who were practicing for the annual Congressional Baseball Game. The shooting wounded House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, Capitol Police Officers David Bailey and Crystal Griner, Congressional staffer Zack Barth, and former Congressional staffer Matt Mika.

The timely response of Alexandria’s First Responders almost certainly saved lives. Alexandria Police Officers Nicole Battaglia, Alexander Jensen and Kevin Jobe arrived within minutes of the 911 call. Officer Battaglia came under fire upon arriving at the scene, and Officers Jensen and Jobe immediately engaged the shooter upon arrival. In the opinion of Alexandria Police Mike Brown, the officers showed true bravery as they responded to a combat zone before working with Capitol Police to neutralize the shooter. Medical care provided by members of the Alexandria Fire Department, including Fiona Apple and Richard Krimmer and dozens of other paramedics and firefighters who operated while the scene was still dynamic, ensured this senseless act of violence did not become a multiple fatality event.

I am honored to commend these valiant individuals for their selfless service; I thank them not only for saving the lives of the victims of this evil, mindless gun violence, but for their daily positive impact on the extraordinary community of Del Ray in the exceptional City of Alexandria.

Last week, Brown identified the three Alexandria police officers that engaged the shooter. Brown said no officers were injured in the shooting, and the three are on paid administrative leave.

Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner also introduced a Senate resolution.

Image via Rep. Don Beyer