Lead surgeon: USA congressman Scalise showing improvement after being shot

Louisiana congressman Steve Scalise's condition was upgraded from "critical" to "serious" Saturday and he continued to show signs of improvement after he was shot at a Republican baseball practice.

"He is more responsive, and is speaking with his loved ones".

Scalise's office released a statement from his wife, Jennifer, thanking people for their support and praising the two Capitol Police officers, Crystal Griner and David Bailey, who were injured while bringing down the gunman.

The director of trauma for MedStar Washington Hospital said Rep. Steve Scalise's condition when he arrived at the hospital was "as critical as it could be".

Scalise is recovering from "substantial damage" he sustained when a bullet pierced his left hip and traveled directly across to the other hip.

Scalise was among four people shot by a lone gunman who opened fire on a group of Republican lawmakers practicing baseball at the Eugene Simpson Stadium Park.

She says she's grateful to President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and all of Scalise's Capitol Hill colleagues "who have reached out to us during this most challenging time". He's been sedated since then, the doctor added, "but we've been able to turn that sedation down enough for him to respond to his family members, and he clearly knows that they're there and appreciates their presence".

Doctors say House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (skuh-LEES') has a good possibility of recovery after he was at "imminent risk of death" from a gunshot wound to the hip two days ago.

"Earlier today, [Scalise] underwent a second surgery related to his internal injuries and a broken bone in his leg".

"We are encouraged by improvement of his condition over the last 36 hours", Sava said.

Because the bullet shattered, there may be hundreds of fragments in Mr Scalise's body and doctors do not intend to try to remove them all, Dr Sava said.

House Speaker Paul Ryan visited Scalise at the hospital Friday, an aide said.

Scalise was the first sitting member of Congress to be shot since Democrat Gabby Giffords was wounded in January, 2011 as she held a constituent meet-and-greet in her Arizona district.

Lobbyist Matt Mika was shot multiple times and critically injured.

"He continues to communicate with us through notes, and even signed the game ball for the Congressional Baseball Game", their statement said.