Washington – U.S. President Donald Trump said he is deeply saddened’ by Wednesday’s shooting which involved members of Congress who were practicing for a charity baseball game outside Washington.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, our thoughts and prayers are with the members of Congress, their staffs, Capitol Police, first responders, and all others affected,’’ Trump said in a White House statement.
On Twitter, Trump called U.S. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, who was wounded in the incident, is “a true friend and patriot.’’
A gunman wounded five people including Scalise, early Wednesday outside Washington, Alabama Congressman Mo Brooks told broadcaster CNN.
Brooks said that he was part of a group of Republican legislators practicing for a charity baseball game at a field in Alexandria, Virginia, when a man opened fire with a rifle.
The gunman was in custody, Brooks said.
The security detail for Scalise, the second-ranking member of the Republican leadership in the lower House of Representatives, returned fire when the shooting broke out, Brooks said.
Two law enforcement agents were among the wounded, he said. (dpa/NAN)
Meanwhile, Alexandria police chief said on Wednesday. five people were taken to hospital after the shooting.
Police Chief Michael Brown did not elaborate on the extent of their injuries.
He told a news conference police received a call about an active shooter shortly after 7 a.m. ET and were on the scene within three minutes. U.S. Capitol Police Matthew Verderosa said on-scene Capitol Police officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect.
Alexandria, Virginia police said they received a call of an active shooter at 7:09 am (1109 GMT) from the suburban Washington park where members of Congress were practicing for a charity baseball game scheduled for later this week, Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown said.
Brown said when police arrived at the scene they exchanged shots with the gunman.
