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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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| Version 14 | Version 15 |
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| Virginia shooting: hospital says Steve Scalise in 'critical condition' – as it happened | Virginia shooting: hospital says Steve Scalise in 'critical condition' – as it happened |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| 9.24pm BST | 9.24pm BST |
| 21:24 | 21:24 |
| We are going to bring this live blog to a close. Here’s a quick roundup of what we know. | We are going to bring this live blog to a close. Here’s a quick roundup of what we know. |
| Early this morning, about 25 Republican legislators, along with staff and some security personnel, were conducting baseball practice at an Arlington, VA field for Thursday’s annual congressional charity game. | Early this morning, about 25 Republican legislators, along with staff and some security personnel, were conducting baseball practice at an Arlington, VA field for Thursday’s annual congressional charity game. |
| Just after 7am, a lone gunman, 66-year-old James Hodgkinson, appeared with a rifle and began firing. Eyewitnesses recalled 50-100 rounds being fired before the he was shot by US Capitol police. | Just after 7am, a lone gunman, 66-year-old James Hodgkinson, appeared with a rifle and began firing. Eyewitnesses recalled 50-100 rounds being fired before the he was shot by US Capitol police. |
| Louisiana congressman Steve Scalise; Zachary Barth, a congressional aide; and lobbyist Matt Mika were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds. Capitol police officers Krystal Griner and David Bailey were also injured. A second congressman, Roger Williams, sprained his ankle. | Louisiana congressman Steve Scalise; Zachary Barth, a congressional aide; and lobbyist Matt Mika were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds. Capitol police officers Krystal Griner and David Bailey were also injured. A second congressman, Roger Williams, sprained his ankle. |
| The FBI is in control of the investigation with assistance from the ATF and local and state police. Officials would not comment on whether the incident is being considered an act of terrorism. | The FBI is in control of the investigation with assistance from the ATF and local and state police. Officials would not comment on whether the incident is being considered an act of terrorism. |
| Hodgkinson appears to have been a leftwing activist who frequently penned screeds against Donald Trump and Republicans, and who allegedly volunteered for the Bernie Sanders campaign during the Iowa primary. | Hodgkinson appears to have been a leftwing activist who frequently penned screeds against Donald Trump and Republicans, and who allegedly volunteered for the Bernie Sanders campaign during the Iowa primary. |
| The charity game the legislators were preparing for against congressional Democrats, scheduled for Thursday, will go on as planned. | The charity game the legislators were preparing for against congressional Democrats, scheduled for Thursday, will go on as planned. |
| 8.53pm BST | 8.53pm BST |
| 20:53 | 20:53 |
| Authorities identify James T. Hodgkinson as shooter | Authorities identify James T. Hodgkinson as shooter |
| The DC Capitol Police Board has officially identified James T. Hodgkinson, whose name has been reported widely for several hours, as the shooting suspect who attacked members of congress this morning with a rifle before being shot and killed. | The DC Capitol Police Board has officially identified James T. Hodgkinson, whose name has been reported widely for several hours, as the shooting suspect who attacked members of congress this morning with a rifle before being shot and killed. |
| The 66-year-old home inspector and contractor from Belleville, Illinois had apparently moved to Alexandria about two months ago, and by some accounts, was living out of a duffle-bag and showering at the local YMCA for some period of time since he arrived. | |
| Hodgkinson appears to have been a strong critic of President Donald Trump and the Republican party from his social media posts and letters written to his local newspaper. | Hodgkinson appears to have been a strong critic of President Donald Trump and the Republican party from his social media posts and letters written to his local newspaper. |
| The Belleville News-Democrat published nearly 30 letters to the editor that he submitted between 2008 and 2012 making statements like “There’s a new version of what GOP stands for. It’s not the Grand Old Party anymore. It’s the Greedy One Percenters.” | The Belleville News-Democrat published nearly 30 letters to the editor that he submitted between 2008 and 2012 making statements like “There’s a new version of what GOP stands for. It’s not the Grand Old Party anymore. It’s the Greedy One Percenters.” |
| His Facebook page features pictures of Bernie Sanders, whose campaign he allegedly campaigned for in Iowa, and calls for Democratic Socialism. Sanders strongly disavowed Hodgkinson’s actions a short while ago on the Senate floor. | His Facebook page features pictures of Bernie Sanders, whose campaign he allegedly campaigned for in Iowa, and calls for Democratic Socialism. Sanders strongly disavowed Hodgkinson’s actions a short while ago on the Senate floor. |
| In April 2006, he was arrested for domestic battery and discharge of a firearm after allegedly punching a woman in the face before striking her boyfriend in the head with the stock of his shotgun and opening fire, according to St Clair County sheriff’s department records.Read more on Hodgkinson, A leftwing activist with record of domestic violence. | In April 2006, he was arrested for domestic battery and discharge of a firearm after allegedly punching a woman in the face before striking her boyfriend in the head with the stock of his shotgun and opening fire, according to St Clair County sheriff’s department records.Read more on Hodgkinson, A leftwing activist with record of domestic violence. |
| Updated | |
| at 9.59pm BST | |
| 7.51pm BST | 7.51pm BST |
| 19:51 | 19:51 |
| 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. |
| 6.32pm BST | 6.32pm BST |
| 18:32 | 18:32 |
| 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. |
| 6.04pm BST | 6.04pm BST |
| 18:04 | 18:04 |
| 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.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.04pm BST | at 6.04pm BST |
| 5.51pm BST | 5.51pm BST |
| 17:51 | 17:51 |
| 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. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.54pm BST | at 5.54pm BST |
| 5.23pm BST | 5.23pm BST |
| 17:23 | 17:23 |
| 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.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.32pm BST | at 5.32pm BST |
| 4.49pm BST | 4.49pm BST |
| 16:49 | 16:49 |
| 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 |
| 4.48pm BST | 4.48pm BST |
| 16:48 | 16:48 |
| 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 |
| at 5.32pm BST | at 5.32pm BST |
| 4.38pm BST | 4.38pm BST |
| 16:38 | 16:38 |
| 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. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.00pm BST | at 5.00pm BST |