Alexandria Congressional Shooting: Gunman Fired At Least 70 Shots: Report

ALEXANDRIA, VA—There was little doubt, but an investigation from the Alexandria Commonwealth's Attorney has concluded police's use of deadly force against the gunman during the June 14 shooting was lawful. The report also concluded the gunman, "fueled by rage against Republican legislators, decided to commit an act of terrorism as that term is defined by the Code of Virginia." The office routinely reviews officer-related shootings.

Virginia law allows someone in imminent danger of being killed or severely injured to use deadly force in self defense. That was the case the morning of June 14 after a gunman opened fire on a Republican Congressional baseball practice at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park. Capitol Police officers were already there as part of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise's protective detail, and they immediately engaged the shooter.

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

Also See: In Return To Capitol Hill, Rep. Steve Scalise Shares His Gratitude

Scalise, the number three Republican in the House, was the most seriously injured in the shooting. Capitol Police officers Crystal Griner and David Bailey, legislative aide Zach Barth and lobbyist for Tyson Foods Matt Mika were also injured. No Alexandria officers were injured.

Alexandria Police say three of its officers, Officers Kevin Jobe, Nicole Battaglia and Alexander Jensen, arrived on scene within minutes of the first 911 call. The three actively engaged the shooter, along with Special Agents Griner and Bailey.

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The new report details how each officer responded and Hodgkinson's refusal to cooperate with police. Alexandria Police arrived after Griner was shot in the ankle and Bailey continued to engage the shooter. Battaglia took shots from Hodgkinson after arriving on scene, and Jensen was able to hit the gunman with a second round of shots. Jobe and Bailey continued to fire shots at the gunman, ordering him to "get down" on the ground. Hodgkinson refused and continued to fire shots.

Evidence shows Hodgkinson collapsed after Jensen fired another round. At 7:15 a.m., Hodgkinson was in police custody, six minutes after the first 911 call (7:09 a.m.) and about nine minutes after he opened fire (7:06 a.m.).

According to the Commonwealth Attorney's report, Hodgkinson fired at least 70 rounds and police fired at least 40 rounds. Investigations reveal Hodgkinson purchased the semi-automatic rifle and semi-automatic pistol used in the shooting from federally-licensed dealers, and nothing in his background would have prevented these legal sales.

SEE ALSO:

• Timeline Of Virginia Congressional Shooting: Baseball Practice Turned Nightmare
  
• Steve Scalise Returns To House After Alexandria Shooting

The crime scene was closed off for more than a day as authorities recovered more than 200 items of physical evidence and interviewed dozens of witnesses, including the victims.

Read the full report here.

Alexandria Police recently got some more well-deserved recognition for their response to the shooting. Scalise, who returned to the House last week, honored Alexandria Police in a special ceremony Thursday.

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)