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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2017/jun/14/virginia-shooting-house-majority-whip-congressional-baseball-practice-live
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Virginia shooting: hospital says Steve Scalise in 'critical condition' – latest | |
(35 minutes later) | |
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Hospital says Rep Scalise is in "critical" condition | Hospital says Rep Scalise is in "critical" condition |
Rep. Scalise was critically injured and remains in critical condition. The other patient is in good condition. | Rep. Scalise was critically injured and remains in critical condition. The other patient is in good condition. |
The America Hospital Association defines this as an unfavorable condition where vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. The patient may be, but is not necessarily unconscious. Previous reports had described Scalise’s condition as stable, which, it should be noted, is not mutually exclusive with “critical”. Stable merely means that no immediate change is anticipated. | The America Hospital Association defines this as an unfavorable condition where vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. The patient may be, but is not necessarily unconscious. Previous reports had described Scalise’s condition as stable, which, it should be noted, is not mutually exclusive with “critical”. Stable merely means that no immediate change is anticipated. |
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Ben Jacobs | Ben Jacobs |
The Congressional Baseball Game is a summer institution in Washington. Every year, staffers, reporters, lobbyists and interns spend a night combining American politics and America’s pastime. The game pits Democrats versus Republicans in fierce but friendly competition often held in a Major League stadium played to benefit charity. | The Congressional Baseball Game is a summer institution in Washington. Every year, staffers, reporters, lobbyists and interns spend a night combining American politics and America’s pastime. The game pits Democrats versus Republicans in fierce but friendly competition often held in a Major League stadium played to benefit charity. |
Despite their disappointing performance at the ballot box in recent years, Democrats have dominated on the diamond. With the election of former college pitcher Cedric Richmond to their ranks in 2010, Democrats have won five of the past six games. Richmond, a Louisiana Democrat, is also a good friend of Scalise and vouched for the House Majority Whip when reports emerged that Scalise had once spoke before a white supremacist group in 2002. | Despite their disappointing performance at the ballot box in recent years, Democrats have dominated on the diamond. With the election of former college pitcher Cedric Richmond to their ranks in 2010, Democrats have won five of the past six games. Richmond, a Louisiana Democrat, is also a good friend of Scalise and vouched for the House Majority Whip when reports emerged that Scalise had once spoke before a white supremacist group in 2002. |
Although a number of former pro athletes have served in Congress including former Kentucky congressman and senator Jim Bunning, who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996, perhaps the most impressive athletic achievement in the game came from an unlikely figure. In 1979, Ron Paul became the first member of Congressto hit a home run over the fences at the annual baseball game. | Although a number of former pro athletes have served in Congress including former Kentucky congressman and senator Jim Bunning, who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996, perhaps the most impressive athletic achievement in the game came from an unlikely figure. In 1979, Ron Paul became the first member of Congressto hit a home run over the fences at the annual baseball game. |
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House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi says congressional charity baseball game will go on tomorrow as scheduled | House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi says congressional charity baseball game will go on tomorrow as scheduled |
Sports are a wonderful thing in our country. Probably one of the most unifying - I think the arts, we like the same music, plays - but sports really bring us together in our cities. You see people who have the biggest differences of opinion on politics and yet, when their team is on the field, people come together. | Sports are a wonderful thing in our country. Probably one of the most unifying - I think the arts, we like the same music, plays - but sports really bring us together in our cities. You see people who have the biggest differences of opinion on politics and yet, when their team is on the field, people come together. |
So when this team was on the field practicing with such camaraderie and brotherhood... for this person to take this action was so cowardly... | So when this team was on the field practicing with such camaraderie and brotherhood... for this person to take this action was so cowardly... |
But we cannot let that be a victory for the assailant or anyone who would think that way. So tomorrow we will go out on the field, we’ll root for our team, we want everyone to do his or her very best and we will use this occasion as one that brings us together and not separates us further.” | But we cannot let that be a victory for the assailant or anyone who would think that way. So tomorrow we will go out on the field, we’ll root for our team, we want everyone to do his or her very best and we will use this occasion as one that brings us together and not separates us further.” |
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Paul Ryan, the most senior Republican in Congress, has been speaking to his fellow legislators about the the shooting: | Paul Ryan, the most senior Republican in Congress, has been speaking to his fellow legislators about the the shooting: |
“We are united in our shock. We are united in our anguish. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us,” the House speaker said to sustained applause for the members of Congress in attendance. | “We are united in our shock. We are united in our anguish. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us,” the House speaker said to sustained applause for the members of Congress in attendance. |
Ryan said he spoke with Krystal Griner and David Bailey, the two Capitol Hill officers injured incident shortly before coming to the House floor. | Ryan said he spoke with Krystal Griner and David Bailey, the two Capitol Hill officers injured incident shortly before coming to the House floor. |
“I expressed our profound gratitude to them. It is clear to me, based on various eyewitness accounts, that without these two heroes, Agent Bailey and Agent Griner, many lives would have been lost.” | “I expressed our profound gratitude to them. It is clear to me, based on various eyewitness accounts, that without these two heroes, Agent Bailey and Agent Griner, many lives would have been lost.” |
Ryan went on: | Ryan went on: |
Knowing Steve Scalise as we all do, he is likely really frustrated that he’s not going to be able to play in the baseball game. I also know Steve wants us to commend the bravery of those who came to the side of the wounded. In the coming days we will hear their stories and we will have the chance to hold up their heroism. | Knowing Steve Scalise as we all do, he is likely really frustrated that he’s not going to be able to play in the baseball game. I also know Steve wants us to commend the bravery of those who came to the side of the wounded. In the coming days we will hear their stories and we will have the chance to hold up their heroism. |
My colleagues there are so many memories from this day that we will want to forget, and there are so many images that we will not want to see again. But there is one image in particular that this house should keep, and that’s a photo I saw this morning of our Democratic colleagues gathered in prayer this morning after hearing the news. | My colleagues there are so many memories from this day that we will want to forget, and there are so many images that we will not want to see again. But there is one image in particular that this house should keep, and that’s a photo I saw this morning of our Democratic colleagues gathered in prayer this morning after hearing the news. |
Every day we come here to test and to challenge each other. We feel so deeply about the things that we fight for and the things that we believe in, at times our emotions can clearly get the best of us. We’re all imperfect. But we do not shed our humanity when we enter this chamber. For all the noise and the fury, we are one family. These were our brothers and sisters in the line of fire. These were our brothers and sisters who ran into danger and saved countless lives. So before this house returns to its business, let’s just slow down and reflect, to think about how we’re all being tested right now. Because, we are being tested right now. | Every day we come here to test and to challenge each other. We feel so deeply about the things that we fight for and the things that we believe in, at times our emotions can clearly get the best of us. We’re all imperfect. But we do not shed our humanity when we enter this chamber. For all the noise and the fury, we are one family. These were our brothers and sisters in the line of fire. These were our brothers and sisters who ran into danger and saved countless lives. So before this house returns to its business, let’s just slow down and reflect, to think about how we’re all being tested right now. Because, we are being tested right now. |
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Vermont senator Bernie Sanders has just released a statement addressing reports that this mornings assailant was a supporter and volunteer on his campaign: | Vermont senator Bernie Sanders has just released a statement addressing reports that this mornings assailant was a supporter and volunteer on his campaign: |
I have just been informed that the alleged shooter at the Republican baseball practice is someone who apparently volunteered on my presidential campaign. I am sickened by this despicable act. Let me be as clear as I can be. Violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society and I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms. Real change can only come about through nonviolent action, and anything else runs against our most deeply held American values. | I have just been informed that the alleged shooter at the Republican baseball practice is someone who apparently volunteered on my presidential campaign. I am sickened by this despicable act. Let me be as clear as I can be. Violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society and I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms. Real change can only come about through nonviolent action, and anything else runs against our most deeply held American values. |
My hopes and prayers are that Representative Scalise, congressional staff and the Capitol Police Officers who were wounded make a quick and full recovery. I also want to thank the Capitol Police for their heroic actions to prevent further harm.” | My hopes and prayers are that Representative Scalise, congressional staff and the Capitol Police Officers who were wounded make a quick and full recovery. I also want to thank the Capitol Police for their heroic actions to prevent further harm.” |
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South Carolina representative Jeff Duncan, who left baseball practice early, said he thinks he spoke to the gunmen in the parking lot before the shooting. | South Carolina representative Jeff Duncan, who left baseball practice early, said he thinks he spoke to the gunmen in the parking lot before the shooting. |
Duncan, a Republican, said the conversation wasn’t out of the ordinary, though the man asked him which party the players represented. | Duncan, a Republican, said the conversation wasn’t out of the ordinary, though the man asked him which party the players represented. |
Duncan told reporters he was “shaken up” by the incident. “The world changed for us a little bit as members,” he said. | Duncan told reporters he was “shaken up” by the incident. “The world changed for us a little bit as members,” he said. |
"I'm shaken up. My colleagues were targeted" -- @RepJeffDuncan (R-SC) pic.twitter.com/6UwjPUVlvn | "I'm shaken up. My colleagues were targeted" -- @RepJeffDuncan (R-SC) pic.twitter.com/6UwjPUVlvn |
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President Trump from the White House: | President Trump from the White House: |
Everyone on that field is a public servant. Our courageous police, our congressional aides, who work so tirelessly behind the scenes with enormous devotion, and our dedicated members of congress who represent our people. We may have our differences, but we do well in times like this to remember that everyone who serves in our nation’s capitol is here because, above all, they love our country. | Everyone on that field is a public servant. Our courageous police, our congressional aides, who work so tirelessly behind the scenes with enormous devotion, and our dedicated members of congress who represent our people. We may have our differences, but we do well in times like this to remember that everyone who serves in our nation’s capitol is here because, above all, they love our country. |
We can all agree that we are blessed to be Americans, that our children deserve to grow up in a nation of safety and peace, and that we are strongest when we are unified, and when we work together for the common good. Please take a moment today to cherish those you love and always remember those who serve and keep us safe. God bless them all, God bless you, and God bless America. | We can all agree that we are blessed to be Americans, that our children deserve to grow up in a nation of safety and peace, and that we are strongest when we are unified, and when we work together for the common good. Please take a moment today to cherish those you love and always remember those who serve and keep us safe. God bless them all, God bless you, and God bless America. |
Updated | Updated |
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Trump: Shooter has died | Trump: Shooter has died |
Donald Trump is speaking now. He has just announced that the assailant has died of his injuries. | Donald Trump is speaking now. He has just announced that the assailant has died of his injuries. |
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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has released the following statement on this morning’s shooting: | Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has released the following statement on this morning’s shooting: |
I know the entire Senate will join me in echoing the sentiments of the president this morning. We are deeply saddened. We are concerned for all those injured. We will keep them in our prayers, we will continue to send them every wish for a quick and full recovery. | I know the entire Senate will join me in echoing the sentiments of the president this morning. We are deeply saddened. We are concerned for all those injured. We will keep them in our prayers, we will continue to send them every wish for a quick and full recovery. |
We are grateful for all those who stepped in to help: those practicing on the field, the first responders, and of course the Capitol Police Officers on the scene. We are deeply indebted for their service, we again salute their continuing and unfailing bravery on behalf of the Capitol community. The Congressional Baseball Game is a bipartisan charity event. I know the Senate will embrace that spirit today as we come together in expressing both our concern and our gratitude.” | We are grateful for all those who stepped in to help: those practicing on the field, the first responders, and of course the Capitol Police Officers on the scene. We are deeply indebted for their service, we again salute their continuing and unfailing bravery on behalf of the Capitol community. The Congressional Baseball Game is a bipartisan charity event. I know the Senate will embrace that spirit today as we come together in expressing both our concern and our gratitude.” |
House Speaker Paul Ryan is also expected to deliver remarks around noon from the Senate floor, and President Trump is expected to speak from the White House at any moment. | |
Updated | Updated |
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An acquaintance of suspected shooter James Hodgkinson told the Washington Post that he met and became friendly with the man while campaigning for Bernie Sanders in Iowa. | An acquaintance of suspected shooter James Hodgkinson told the Washington Post that he met and became friendly with the man while campaigning for Bernie Sanders in Iowa. |
Charles Orear, 50, a restaurant manager from St. Louis, said in an interview Wednesday that Hodgkinson was a passionate progressive and showed no signs of violence or malice toward others. | Charles Orear, 50, a restaurant manager from St. Louis, said in an interview Wednesday that Hodgkinson was a passionate progressive and showed no signs of violence or malice toward others. |
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Orear said when told of the incident by phone. “I met him on the Bernie trail in Iowa, worked with him in the Quad Cities area.” | “You’ve got to be kidding me,” Orear said when told of the incident by phone. “I met him on the Bernie trail in Iowa, worked with him in the Quad Cities area.” |
Orear described Hodgkinson as a “quiet guy” who was “very mellow, very reserved” when they stayed overnight at a Sanders’s supporter home in Rock Island, Ill., after canvassing for the senator. | Orear described Hodgkinson as a “quiet guy” who was “very mellow, very reserved” when they stayed overnight at a Sanders’s supporter home in Rock Island, Ill., after canvassing for the senator. |
“He was this union tradesman, pretty stocky, and we stayed up talking politics,” he said. “He was more on the really progressive side of things.” | “He was this union tradesman, pretty stocky, and we stayed up talking politics,” he said. “He was more on the really progressive side of things.” |
The Post reached out to Orear after seeing that he liked one of Hodgkinson’s Facebook posts. | The Post reached out to Orear after seeing that he liked one of Hodgkinson’s Facebook posts. |
Updated | Updated |
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Police chief: FBI taking over investigation | Police chief: FBI taking over investigation |
Updates from the late morning law enforcement press briefing in Alexandria: | Updates from the late morning law enforcement press briefing in Alexandria: |
Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown: | Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown: |
This is not an active incident, the city is safe. We have an active investigation but I want to reassure the community here in Alexandria that the city is safe. | This is not an active incident, the city is safe. We have an active investigation but I want to reassure the community here in Alexandria that the city is safe. |
Because this case involves an assault on a federal officer, the FBI will be taking over the investigation. | Because this case involves an assault on a federal officer, the FBI will be taking over the investigation. |
I couldn’t be more proud of the men and women who were involved from the Alexandria Police Department, they did an outstanding job. | I couldn’t be more proud of the men and women who were involved from the Alexandria Police Department, they did an outstanding job. |
Capitol Hill Police Chief Matthew Verderosa: | Capitol Hill Police Chief Matthew Verderosa: |
My units of our dignitary protection were on site with a congressional protectee [Steve Scalise], when we the incident occurred. They did engage in gunfire with the suspect and were assisted by the Alexandria police. | My units of our dignitary protection were on site with a congressional protectee [Steve Scalise], when we the incident occurred. They did engage in gunfire with the suspect and were assisted by the Alexandria police. |
The US Capitol Hill Police officers who were injured are in good condition and have not suffered any life threatening injuries at this point. | The US Capitol Hill Police officers who were injured are in good condition and have not suffered any life threatening injuries at this point. |
FBI Agent Tim Slater: | FBI Agent Tim Slater: |
“It’s too early to say right now” whether the shooting constitutes an act of terrorism. “We are exploring all angles”Slater would not confirm whether the members of congress were targeted for that reason or not, or any other details about the shooter, the weapon, or questions he may have asked. | “It’s too early to say right now” whether the shooting constitutes an act of terrorism. “We are exploring all angles”Slater would not confirm whether the members of congress were targeted for that reason or not, or any other details about the shooter, the weapon, or questions he may have asked. |
Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe: | Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe: |
I want to compliment members of the US Capitol police for their extraordinary quick action. Through their heroic action and others, they saved a lot of lives today. | I want to compliment members of the US Capitol police for their extraordinary quick action. Through their heroic action and others, they saved a lot of lives today. |
Asked by reporters if more should be done to protect politicians, McAuliffe replied: “I think we need to do more to protect all of our citizens. I have long advocated – this is not what today is about – but there are too many guns on the streets.” | Asked by reporters if more should be done to protect politicians, McAuliffe replied: “I think we need to do more to protect all of our citizens. I have long advocated – this is not what today is about – but there are too many guns on the streets.” |
He then misspoke, claiming: “We lose 93 million Americans a day to gun violence. I have long talked about this. Background checks and shutting down gun show loopholes, and that’s not for today’s discussion, but it’s not just about politicians. We worry about this every day for all of our citizens.” | He then misspoke, claiming: “We lose 93 million Americans a day to gun violence. I have long talked about this. Background checks and shutting down gun show loopholes, and that’s not for today’s discussion, but it’s not just about politicians. We worry about this every day for all of our citizens.” |
Prompted by a journalist, McAuliffe later clarified that 93 individuals, not 93 million, die every day from gun violence. | Prompted by a journalist, McAuliffe later clarified that 93 individuals, not 93 million, die every day from gun violence. |
Updated | Updated |
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The AP is reporting that the suspected shooter has been identified as Illinois man James T. Hodgkinson by at least one government official. The Guardian cannot independently confirm the name of the individual who is in custody and receiving medical attention. | The AP is reporting that the suspected shooter has been identified as Illinois man James T. Hodgkinson by at least one government official. The Guardian cannot independently confirm the name of the individual who is in custody and receiving medical attention. |
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.@RepJoeBarton and his sons board the subway in the Capitol after a shooting at the Republican's baseball practice in Va. #baseballshooting pic.twitter.com/4lrc80frcj | .@RepJoeBarton and his sons board the subway in the Capitol after a shooting at the Republican's baseball practice in Va. #baseballshooting pic.twitter.com/4lrc80frcj |
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Our Lauren Gambino is on Capitol Hill getting reaction from legislators: | Our Lauren Gambino is on Capitol Hill getting reaction from legislators: |
Mark Meadows says the shooting showed "the worst in humanity today ... but you also see the best." | Mark Meadows says the shooting showed "the worst in humanity today ... but you also see the best." |
He said it is "certainly not the appropriate time" to start a debate on policy over gun control and background checks https://t.co/VCVvczBzMn | He said it is "certainly not the appropriate time" to start a debate on policy over gun control and background checks https://t.co/VCVvczBzMn |
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David Smith | David Smith |
Our David Smith is on the scene of the shooting and talking to local residents: | Our David Smith is on the scene of the shooting and talking to local residents: |
Megan Hacala, a fitness professional, said nothing like this had happened before in the neighborhood. “It’s a peaceful place. A lot of baseball is played. There’s a dog park right next to the field. It’s just sad.” | Megan Hacala, a fitness professional, said nothing like this had happened before in the neighborhood. “It’s a peaceful place. A lot of baseball is played. There’s a dog park right next to the field. It’s just sad.” |
A growing band of reporters, photographers and TV crews are gathered behind police tape at the corner of DeWitt and Monroe Avenues, close to the redbrick Anglican Catholic Church: St Andrew & St Margaret of Scotland. It is affluent neighbourhood of detached redbrick houses, front porches, neat lawns and trees. | A growing band of reporters, photographers and TV crews are gathered behind police tape at the corner of DeWitt and Monroe Avenues, close to the redbrick Anglican Catholic Church: St Andrew & St Margaret of Scotland. It is affluent neighbourhood of detached redbrick houses, front porches, neat lawns and trees. |
One resident of the street, who did not wish to be named, came out on her front path to view the commotion. She said she walked by the baseball field every day and described it as a safe area where locals walk their dogs. | One resident of the street, who did not wish to be named, came out on her front path to view the commotion. She said she walked by the baseball field every day and described it as a safe area where locals walk their dogs. |
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Zachary Barth, a staffer for GOP Rep. Roger Williams of TX, posted on FB that he was shot but is "okay." Gave permission to post thru friend pic.twitter.com/ruUuNrtqn6 | Zachary Barth, a staffer for GOP Rep. Roger Williams of TX, posted on FB that he was shot but is "okay." Gave permission to post thru friend pic.twitter.com/ruUuNrtqn6 |
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From the office of Steve Scalise to members of Congress: Members are advised that, given today’s events, no votes are expected in the House today. In addition, there will be no morning hour speeches at 10:00 a.m. | From the office of Steve Scalise to members of Congress: Members are advised that, given today’s events, no votes are expected in the House today. In addition, there will be no morning hour speeches at 10:00 a.m. |
Updated | Updated |
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Update on the condition of majority whip Steve Scalise from his congressional office: | Update on the condition of majority whip Steve Scalise from his congressional office: |
“This morning, at a practice for the congressional baseball game, Whip Scalise was shot in the hip. He was transported to MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where he is currently undergoing surgery. He is in stable condition. | “This morning, at a practice for the congressional baseball game, Whip Scalise was shot in the hip. He was transported to MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where he is currently undergoing surgery. He is in stable condition. |
“Prior to entering surgery, the Whip was in good spirits and spoke to his wife by phone. He is grateful for the brave actions of US Capitol Police, first responders and colleagues. | “Prior to entering surgery, the Whip was in good spirits and spoke to his wife by phone. He is grateful for the brave actions of US Capitol Police, first responders and colleagues. |
“We ask that you keep the Whip and others harmed in this incident in your thoughts and prayers.” | “We ask that you keep the Whip and others harmed in this incident in your thoughts and prayers.” |