Donald Trump and his wife Melania visited top Republican Congressman Steve Scalise, recuperating at a hospital after being shot by a rifle-welding critic of the president who sprayed bullets on USA lawmakers practising for an annual baseball game in a Washington suburb. During his remarks, Trump disclosed that the shooter had died, the first confirmation from any official of the death.
The senator noted that at first they weren't sure who opened fire from behind the group as they tried to take cover.
The hospital said after the surgery that Scalise remained in critical condition.
Two minutes later, the gunman, 66-year-old James Hodgkinson from the St Louis suburb of Belleville, Illinois, was down.
"I am grateful today and always for the courageous service of the Capitol Hill Police and all law enforcement officers who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe".
Trump spoke during a White House event devoted to what aides called "Apprenticeship and Workforce of Tomorrow initiatives". "Their sacrifice makes democracy possible".
Wisconsin lawmakers all shared a similar message of unity following the Alexandria shooting which injured five, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise.
He was in stable condition, said two different senior-level GOP aides.
Representative Jeff Duncan indicated there might have been a political motive in the attack, saying that as he left the field the man who would later open fire approached him in the auto park.
Mueller is investigating President Trump for obstruction of justice
It is not clear whether the White House could use executive privilege to try to block them from speaking to the investigators. The committee leaders said in a statement that they "look forward to future engagements" with Mr Mueller.
Williams, who commended the officers' quick response, said Hodgkinson would've caused more damage had it not been for a locked gate that blocked him from getting on the field.
The gunman had a rifle and "a lot of ammo", said Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona told MSNBC. The House cancelled proceedings for the day.
"We do hope people come to the game tonight", Williams said.
Scalise was among several people wounded when a rifle-wielding attacker fired on lawmakers on a baseball field in Alexandria, Virginia, outside Washington.
The popular annual face-off, which raises money for charity, is scheduled to go forward as planned on Thursday evening at the Nationals stadium across the Potomac from where the shooting took place.
The team was taking batting practice when gunshots rang out and chaos erupted.
"Rep. Scalise who I know, Steve Scalise, is a good guy and I'm grateful that he too will have a full recovery, it looks like", said Gov. Bevin.
He had been fielding at second base when he was hit, and dragged himself away from the infield, leaving a trail of blood until colleagues could rush to his aid. "I give him credit".
JEFF DUNCAN: As we were walking through the parking lot to our vehicle, we were approached by a gentleman who asked if the team on the field was the Republican or the Democrat team. He was killed when police returned fire.





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