Steve Scalise Released From Hospital, Begins Inpatient Program

ALEXANDRIA, VA—House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, who was shot at a Republican baseball practice in Alexandria, has been released from the hospital.

MedStar Washington Hospital Center released the following statement:

Congressman Steve Scalise has made excellent progress in his recovery from a life-threatening gunshot wound six weeks ago. Yesterday, he was discharged from MedStar Washington Hospital Center and is now beginning a period of intensive inpatient rehabilitation. He is in good spirits and is looking forward to his return to work once he completes rehabilitation. He and his family are grateful for the care he received from the trauma team as well as the other doctors, nurses, and staff of MedStar Washington Hospital Center. The family also appreciates the outpouring of prayers and support during this time.

Scalise was the most seriously injured when a gunman opened fire on a GOP baseball practice in Alexandria on June 14. He was shot in the hip and was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

6 Weeks After Shooting, Rep. Steve Scalise Discharged From Hospital

The bullet traveled directly across the other hip in what doctors call a transpelvic gunshot wound. The bullet fragmented and caused significant damage to bones, internal organs and blood vessels, doctors said. (Sign up for real time alerts and a newsletter. iPhone users can download the Patch app in the App Store. Plus, like Old Town Alexandria Patch on Facebook.)

He has undergone a number of surgeries to control bleeding, manage abdominal injuries, repair broken bones and treat infection. Scalise left the intensive care unit earlier in July following surgeries for infection. The Louisiana congressman had been readmitted to the intensive care unit at MedStar Washington Hospital Center on July 5 for concerns about infection. The hospital provided an update after surgery on July 6, saying he "tolerated the procedure well."

Capitol Police officers Crystal Griner and David Bailey, legislative aide Zach Barth and lobbyist for Tyson Foods Matt Mika were also injured in the shooting. Mika had been released from the hospital last week, his family said in a statement Friday, July 21.

The gunman, identified as James T. Hodgkinson of Illinois, fired dozens of shots when Capitol Police began returning fire. Minutes later, Alexandria Police joined in the exchange of gunfire and took him into custody. He died from his injuries the same day.

Patch will continue to provide updates on Scalise's recovery and the shooting investigation.

Image via office of Rep. Steve Scalise