Alexandria Congressional Shooting: From The Eyes Of First Responders

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Four minutes and 38 seconds. That's how long it took for Alexandria Police to get on scene and take down the active shooter at the GOP Congressional baseball practice.

The crime scene has opened up after days of investigation, and Alexandria first responders have begun to share how everything unfolded on Wednesday, June 14.

Police Chief Michael Brown said at a Monday press conference the first of many calls about an active shooter came at 7:08 a.m. from an Alexandria resident. Police were dispatched at 7:10 a.m., and the first to arrive, respectively, were Officers Kevin Jobe, Nicole Battaglia and Alexander Jensen. Along with Capitol Police Officers Crystal Griner, David Bailey and Henry Cabrera, the three Alexandria officers engaged with the shooter.

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All three are on administrative paid leave, and Brown said no officers sustained injuries.

According to preliminary data, Jobe arrived at 7:12 a.m., with Battaglia and Jensen shortly following. Battaglia "immediately started taking fire from the suspect" and moved toward the gunfire. She was subsequently pinned down after receiving gunfire from the shooter.

"That act alone probably, in my opinion, diverted the attention of the shooter away from the other officers, allowing them to get in position to deal with the situation," said Brown.

The shooter, James Hodgkinson, 66, was soon taken down by gunfire from Alexandria and Capitol Police. Afterward, police secured the area, checked for additional threats, treated the injured and talked with witnesses. Alexandria Sheriff's deputies assisted with securing the crime scene as well.

Brown said he is proud of the response time of officers and dispatchers taking emergency calls.

"One of the most difficult calls to get is an active shooter," said Brown. "You get information of a location, you get information maybe of time, and very seldom do you get additional information."

Brown also praised Alexandria fire and rescue responders for heading to the scene before being alerted that the suspect was in custody. "That's unusual bravery, because that scene's not been declared totally secure...and yet they showed up and they provided emergency medical services to people that were injured on that field. They could have very well saved a life or two."

Firefighter and paramedic Richard Krimmer was one of the first to arrive on scene. He told The Washington Post he encountered Special Agent Crystal Griner being well tended to, while Rep. Steve Scalise was in a more alarming condition. He found Rep. Brad Wenstrup tending to Scalise, and assisted with trying to limit bleeding. Krimmer moved Scalise to an ambulance and to a helicopter a block away, finding out who he had treated at that time.

"Our personnel operated calmly, bravely and professionally in the face of much uncertainty about their own safety. They deserve our gratitude and respect," said Fire Chief Robert Dubé.

Image via Alexandria Police