The Congressional shooter who was identified as Illinois resident James Hodgkinson, 66, “has now died,” according to President Donald Trump, who made the announcement at 11:30 am EDT.
“Steve, you have the prayers … of an entire nation, and an entire world,” he said, referring to Congressman Steve Scalise of Louisiana, who was shot in the attack on GOP lawmakers who were practicing for Thursday’s annual charity baseball game between the Republican and Democratic lawmakers.
Scalise was airlifted to Medstar Level One Trauma Center, as was a female police officer who was tasked with protecting the Congressman and who was shot in the foot. A second Capitol Police officer suffered shrapnel wounds. Both are in good condition. Scalise is reported to be in stable condition.
Police have beefed up patrols in Alexandria, where the practice was taking place at a local baseball field. The American capitol is now on high alert as well.
The shooter had walked up to Florida Rep. Ron DeSantis as he was leaving the field while practice was still going on, and asked if it was Republicans or Democrats who were practicing, Fox News reported.
Armed personnel were present only because Scalise is in a leadership position — he is the House Majority Whip — and thus has a security detail.
GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky was sitting in the dugout at the time of the shooting. “Without the Capitol Police it would have been a massacre,” he said.
Congressional aide to U.S. Rep. Roger Williams of Texas, Zack Barth was shot in the chest, but he is said to be in good condition and will reportedly make a “complete recovery.”
