Reports are coming in that a gunman has opened fire on congressional members in Del Ray, Virginia. GOP Congressmen were practicing baseball at a local YMCA when the attack took place.
At 7:15 AM on June 14th, eyewitness accounts claim a gunman opened fire from behind a dugout. Reportedly armed with a rifle, the gunman is now down. One person is in custody. A FOX News associate, Chad Pergram, that multiple staffers have been hit as well as Representative Steve Scalise and members of his protective detail. Scalise is in stable condition after being shot. Other eyewitnesses have claimed that one of those hit had to be flown out to a nearby hospital.
Representative DeSantis (R-FL) made a statement that a peculiar man was asking questions in the parking lot if the members of Congress were part of the DNC or the GOP.
Senator Rand Paul reported hearing as many as 50 shots on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program. Senator Paul thanked the armed Capitol Police on protective detail who stopped the shooter. Unfortunately, two of these police officers were shot.
Members of Congress have reportedly taken shelter inside nearby homes. Representative Brooks (R-AL) reported that the incident is over and they are secure on CNN earlier today. Brooks also told CNN that at least 5 people were shot.
The Washington Post reported earlier today:
The shooter at the GOP congressional baseball practice this morning is James T. Hodgkinson of Belleville, Ill., according to law enforcement officials. Hodgkinson, 66, owns a home inspection business. His home inspection license expired in November 2016 and was not renewed, state records show. Hodgkinson was charged in April 2006 with battery and aiding damage to a motor vehicle, according to online records in St. Clair County, Illinois. The charges were dismissed, records show.
Press Secretary Sean Spicer tweeted out that President Trump and Vice President Pence are aware of the situation and are awaiting further details.
Representative Scalise is the majority whip in the House of Representatives and serves Louisiana’s first congressional district. He has been active in the GOP since 1996.
The members of Congress were practicing for a bipartisan baseball game between the Democrats and Republicans. Other attendees included Chuck Flesichman (R-TN) and Jeff Duncan (R-SC).
We will have more on this story as the facts become clear.
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