The gunman, later identified as 66-year-old IL man James T. Hodgkinson, died from gunshot wounds at the hospital after a gun battle with police at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park Field, where dozens of GOP lawmakers were holding their final practice before an annual charity game against Democrats.
Texas Rep. Roger Williams, who coaches the GOP team, said that one of his aides, Zack Barth, was shot, but "is doing well and is expected to make a full recovery". He says they also visited wounded U.S. Capitol Police officer Crystal Griner and her wife.
Alexandria police chief Michael Brown said his officers arrived within minutes and engaged Hodgkinson, together with Capitol Police officers.
Last year, Capitol Police shot and wounded a Tennessee minister who, they said, pulled a gun and pointed it at officers as he was entering the Capitol Visitor Center.
Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent in charge Tim Slater said it was "too early to say" whether it was an act of terrorism, or whether Scalise was targeted.
Five people, including the gunman, who was killed, and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana, were shot in today's incident. No one else was in custody, he said. "That's not America. So, it's one of the risks you take on".
But the issue for which Scalise has made no apology is gun control.
President Donald Trump will not be attending Thursday's game, however, due to security concerns.
As businessman Trump rose to become the Republican nominee in the 2016 presidential election, his brash style and outspoken views on immigration and other policies led to mass protests, including on the weekend of his inauguration in January.
The Republican team members, preparing for a traditional charity event Thursday night, were practicing at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park in Alexandria, Va., at around 7 a.m. Wednesday when the gunfire started.
Representative Tim Ryan, who early on Wednesday was practicing for the ballgame with fellow Democrats, told reporters that Washington politicians needed to cool their rhetoric. "This was a year we wanted to get even". It's got to stop.
Anti-Trump gunman attacks United States lawmakers, dies in shootout
The incident left many lawmakers on Capitol Hill stunned. "We were sitting ducks", said Representative Roger Williams. They took cover behind vehicles and then a nearby apartment building before they were able to call the police.
In a press conference just before noon, Trump rebuked the shooter's actions and called for unity.
"America is praying for you and America is praying for all of the victims of this bad shooting", he said.
Doyle put his hand on Barton's shoulder several times as the Republican, who was at the practice with his son, recalled the horror of realizing that friends and co-workers were under attack.
"Everyone on that field is a public servant", Trump said.
On Wednesday morning, South Carolina Rep. Jeff Duncan said he was leaving practice early when the man he believes was the gunman asked him if the players were Democrats or Republicans. DeSantis gave a similar account. Police said the accused gunman, James T. Hodgkinson, had taken a position behind a fence near the baseball diamond.
"I am sickened by this despicable act", he said.
House Speaker Paul Ryan assured lawmakers assembled at a members' briefing that the game will be played as scheduled, prompting a standing ovation.
GEOFF BENNETT, BYLINE: Shortly after 7 o'clock this morning, Arizona Senator Jeff Flake was taking batting practice with roughly 20 other Republican lawmakers. "Bottom line: people get shot, run over by cars, stabbed".
Scalise, 51, the No. 3 House Republican leader first elected to the House in 2008, was in stable condition and undergoing surgery. Many have also credited the U.S. Capitol Police for effectively engaging with the gunman, using their pistols against his rifle - a decidedly uneven match-up across a wide open space.
Sen. David Perdue suggested that perhaps police should be present for groups of lawmakers gathering outside the Capitol, but he argued it was important for Congress not to wall itself off from the public.
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