Sr Republican wounded by gunman
At least five people people including a top Republican congressman were wounded in a Washington suburb early yesterday morning when a shooting erupted as they practiced for an annual baseball game between lawmakers.
Senior congressman Steve Scalise was shot in the hip, according to fellow Republican lawmaker Mo Brooks who told CNN at least two law enforcement officers and one congressional staffer were also shot in the incident in Alexandria, Virginia.
"Five people were transported medically from the scene," Alexandria police chief Michael Brown told a press conference.
Police said the shooting suspect was in custody and "not a threat."
President Donald Trump said he was closely monitoring the developments in Virginia, and that Scalise, the majority whip who rallies Republican votes in the House of Representatives, was expected to recover.
"Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with him," Trump tweeted.
In a statement earlier, Trump described himself as "deeply saddened by this tragedy," saying his "thoughts and prayers are with the members of Congress, their staffs, Capitol Police, first responders and all others affected."
About 25 senators and congressmen were at the practice, according to Senator Jeff Flake who told reporters some 50 shots rang out in the exchange of fire between the gunman and the lawmakers' security detail, at around 6:30 am (1030 GMT).
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