Gabby Giffords and Steve Scalise’s House colleagues show support after Va. shooting
After House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., was shot Wednesday, reactions poured in from his former and current colleagues in Congress, as well as the president and vice president.
Related slideshow: Shooting at GOP baseball practice in Alexandria, Va. >>>
The No. 3 Republican in the House was one of five people wounded at an Alexandria, Va., baseball field, where they were practicing for Thursday’s Congressional Baseball Game. Capitol Police were there as part of Scalise’s security detail and took down the shooter, who died as a result of his injuries.
Scalise’s office released an update on his condition shortly before he entered surgery, saying he was in “good spirits.”
Update on the Condition of Majority Whip Steve Scalise https://t.co/Lfna1fgHLL pic.twitter.com/BVGXbOKRMY
— Rep. Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) June 14, 2017
Former Arizona Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, a gun-control advocate who survived an attempted assassination at a 2008 event with constituents, tweeted a message of support and praised the Capitol Police.
My heart is with my former colleagues, their families & staff, and the US Capitol Police- public servants and heroes today and every day.
— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) June 14, 2017
Giffords later released a lengthier statement, saying she was “heartbroken,” and encouraged unity in the face of violence.
“This shooting is an attack on all who serve and on all who participate in our democracy,” Giffords said.
Statement from Gabby Giffords, the most recent member of Congress to be shot before today: pic.twitter.com/cF5lDLanb2
— Jennifer Epstein (@jeneps) June 14, 2017
President Trump, Vice President Pence, and Scalise’s leadership colleagues — House Speaker Paul Ryan and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy — also tweeted messages of support.
Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 14, 2017
This morning the hearts of the whole House are with @SteveScalise, the brave Capitol police, staff, and all those who were in harm's way.
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) June 14, 2017
Judy and I are praying deeply for our friend Steve, the members of Capitol Police, and staff who were wounded.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) June 14, 2017
This is a tragic moment for their families, loved ones, and the entire community on Capitol Hill.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) June 14, 2017
As we pray for full recoveries, we know we have witnessed again the incredible bravery of the Capitol Police.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) June 14, 2017
Several of Scalise’s Republican teammates, some of whom were also attending practice when the shooting occurred, tweeted messages clarifying their own status or that of their staff.
Dismayed by the instance of violence at practice this a.m. for the Congressional baseball game. Prayers are with @SteveScalise and injured.
— Rep. Jack Bergman (@RepJackBergman) June 14, 2017
I was on scene, but I'm blessed to be safe, and I want to thank the security forces who were so quick to respond. They're the heroes here.
— Rep. Jack Bergman (@RepJackBergman) June 14, 2017
We're learning more about motive, but this is a good time to reflect on division and unity. We're all human. We're more the same than not.
— Rep. Jack Bergman (@RepJackBergman) June 14, 2017
Charity baseball practice this AM when a loan gunman open fired on members of Congress and security. Several down – please pray for them.
— Mike Bishop (@RepMikeBishop) June 14, 2017
I was present at practice, as well as a member of my staff. Both of us are okay.
— Mike Bishop (@RepMikeBishop) June 14, 2017
Please pray for @SteveScalise and four others who were sent to area hospitals.
— Mike Bishop (@RepMikeBishop) June 14, 2017
I am praying for the full recovery of my roommate @SteveScalise and others wounded this morning. Official release: https://t.co/eF4qkSr3Fj
— RepKevinBrady (@RepKevinBrady) June 14, 2017
Praying for those injured at this morning's practice. I'm especially thankful to the US Capitol Police who risked their lived to protect us.
— Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) June 14, 2017
— Rep. Ryan Costello (@RepRyanCostello) June 14, 2017
Please pray for Steve and all those injured. https://t.co/HsRN1Zm9kn
— US Rep Rodney Davis (@RodneyDavis) June 14, 2017
Praying for my friend @SteveScalise
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) June 14, 2017
I was not present. https://t.co/2eXdV4zlRW
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) June 14, 2017
Please join me in praying for those shot at baseball practice this morning. Major thank you to the Capitol Police officers who were there.
— Bill Johnson (@RepBillJohnson) June 14, 2017
I am on the team but left prior to the shooting to head to the office. I am unharmed.
— Bill Johnson (@RepBillJohnson) June 14, 2017
I am safe. We continue to pray for my colleagues and their families.
— Trent Kelly (@RepTrentKelly) June 14, 2017
My prayers are with @SteveScalise this morning as he's treated after this morning's shooting & will continue to monitor developments closely
— Darin LaHood (@RepLaHood) June 14, 2017
I was on the field, but I’m okay. This was a senseless act of evil. @thehillbaseball
— Barry Loudermilk (@RepLoudermilk) June 14, 2017
Please pray for those who were shot and their families. There were a lot of heroes here today. @thehillbaseball
— Barry Loudermilk (@RepLoudermilk) June 14, 2017
I am alright. Please pray with me this morning.
— Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) June 14, 2017
JUST IN: Statement from Congressman @RogerMarshallMD regarding the shooting at a congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, VA. pic.twitter.com/OTFFOIrYdn
— KCTV5 News (@KCTV5) June 14, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with my colleagues, the staffers and the U.S. Capitol Police officers involved in this morning's shooting.
— Patrick Meehan (@RepMeehan) June 14, 2017
This morning, Rep. Moolenaar attended baseball practice. He was uninjured in the shooting. Please keep those injured in your prayers.
— Rep. John Moolenaar (@RepMoolenaar) June 14, 2017
I am safe and fine. Please pray for my colleagues and any staff and their families who were involved in this morning's shooting.
— Cong. Steven Palazzo (@CongPalazzo) June 14, 2017
I was on the field 20 yards away from the shooter. I am okay. Please join me in praying for @SteveScalise and the others who were injured.
— Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) June 14, 2017
My statement on the shooting this AM in Alexandria. pic.twitter.com/jrZxdqTchD
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) June 14, 2017
My heart goes out to my friend and roommate @SteveScalise, as well as staffers and @CapitolPolice involved in this morning's shooting
— Rep. Erik Paulsen (@RepErikPaulsen) June 14, 2017
I wish everyone a speedy and full recovery and am relieved that this was not worse
— Rep. Erik Paulsen (@RepErikPaulsen) June 14, 2017
Thank you to the @CapitolPolice for their courage and bravery, and acting so quickly
— Rep. Erik Paulsen (@RepErikPaulsen) June 14, 2017
Rep. Pearce Statement on events that unfolded at this morning's GOP baseball practice: https://t.co/kN0xGcOGk8
— Steve Pearce (@RepStevePearce) June 14, 2017
Praying for my dear friend @SteveScalise & heartfelt appreciation to #CapitolPolice
— Dennis Ross (@RepDennisRoss) June 14, 2017
Please pray with me for my friend @SteveScalise, USCP and all those there. https://t.co/ugvaL6n0kY
— John Shimkus (@RepShimkus) June 14, 2017
Walker is safe. –Staff
— Rep. Mark Walker (@RepMarkWalker) June 14, 2017
Please pray for Rep. Steve Scalise and others shot at our baseball practice this morning for our charity game tomorrow evening.
— Rep. Mark Walker (@RepMarkWalker) June 14, 2017
The Capitol Police saved many lives this morning from a shooter who had obviously planned to kill many Republican members. Shaken but OK…
— Rep. Mark Walker (@RepMarkWalker) June 14, 2017
You never expect a baseball field in America to feel like being back in a combat zone in Iraq, but this morning it did.
— Brad Wenstrup (@RepBradWenstrup) June 14, 2017
Capitol police and emergency responders reacted swiftly and courageously – we are grateful for their presence.
— Brad Wenstrup (@RepBradWenstrup) June 14, 2017
I urge the nation to keep Rep. Scalise and all injured in their prayers today.
— Brad Wenstrup (@RepBradWenstrup) June 14, 2017
Please keep the member of my staff and all members of the congressional baseball team in your thoughts and prayers pic.twitter.com/wH4b6wXQhs
— Rep. Roger Williams (@RepRWilliams) June 14, 2017
I now can confirm that Zack Barth, who is a legislative correspondent in my office, was shot this morning at baseball practice
— Rep. Roger Williams (@RepRWilliams) June 14, 2017
He is receiving medical attention but is doing well and is expected to make a full recovery.
— Rep. Roger Williams (@RepRWilliams) June 14, 2017
We ask that you please respect the privacy of him and his family during this difficult time.
— Rep. Roger Williams (@RepRWilliams) June 14, 2017
I would like to take this time to express my sincere gratitude to the @CapitolPolice officers who were at practice today – true heroes
— Rep. Roger Williams (@RepRWilliams) June 14, 2017
The prayers of myself and my entire staff are with @SteveScalise right now
— Rep. Roger Williams (@RepRWilliams) June 14, 2017
Thankful for the bravery of US Capitol Police. Praying for my friend @SteveScalise and others who were hurt at this morning's practice.
— Rep. Kevin Yoder (@RepKevinYoder) June 14, 2017
My heart is with my former colleagues, their families & staff, and the US Capitol Police- public servants and heroes today and every day.
— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) June 14, 2017
Karen & I are praying for @SteveScalise, the Capitol Police, & all hurt for a speedy recovery. Our hearts are with them & their loved ones.
— Vice President Pence (@VP) June 14, 2017