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Original report:
Congressman Steve Scalise, the GOP whip, and four others were shot at a baseball practice in Alexandria, Va., Wednesday, according to NBC News.
The gunman, identified as James. T. Hodgkinson was shot and killed during the incident, which reportedly occurred after 7 a.m. at Alexandria Simpson Baseball Field. NBC News is reporting as many as 50 shots were fired.
Scalise was said to be in stable condition after suffering a gunshot wound near the hip. Congressional staffer Zach Barth, was also injured. Matt Mika, a Tyson Foods lobbyist who sometimes practices with the team, is in critical condition. Two members of the congressional police force suffered non-life threatening injuries.
The 66-year-old Hodgkinson, who is from the St. Louis suburb of Belleville, Illinois, was reportedly a volunteer during Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders' campaign and angered by Donald Trump's election as president. Hodgkinson's Facebook page includes anti-Trump rhetoric.
A recent post on his Facebook page reads: “Trump Has Destroyed Our Democracy. It’s Time to Destroy Trump & Co.”
The 51-year-old Scalise, who represents Louisiana, was seen crawling into the outfield after being shot, NBC News reported.
On the Senate floor late Wednesday morning, Bernie Sanders said, "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."
Trump called Scalise a "a very good friend," adding "He's a patriot. And he's a fighter.
"He will recover from this assault -- and Steve, I want you to know that you have the prayers not only of the entire city behind you, but of an entire nation, and frankly the entire world. America is praying for you and America is praying for all of the victims of this terrible shooting."
The practice was being held prior to the annual bipartisan Congressional charity baseball game pitting Republicans vs. Democrats scheduled to be played Thursday at the Washington Nationals' baseball park.
Scalise was among those at the Republican practice. The Democrats were also scheduled to hold a practice Wednesday. Congressional leaders announced the game would be played Thursday evening as planned.
This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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