Alexandria ballfield shooter James T. Hodgkinson, 66, has died of the wounds received after he opened fire on several Republican congressmen holding baseball practice early Wednesday, President Donald Trump has revealed.
"Authorities are continuing to investigate the crime, and the assailant has now died from his injuries," Trump said in an official statement. "The FBI is leading the investigation and will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available."
Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise, the House Majority Whip, was shot in the hip during the attack. As a top House leader, Scalise is protected by a security detail, whose members shot and wounded Hodgkinson after he opened fire from behind a fence at the field.
Trump said Scalise was "badly wounded," but now is in stable condition in the hospital, "along with two very courageous Capitol police officers. At least two others also were wounded."
Many more lives would have been lost, Trump said, "if not for the heroic actions of the two Capitol police officers who took down the gunman, despite sustaining gunshot wounds during a very, very brutal assault."
Trump said he and wife Melania are "grateful for their heroism" and praying for the swift recovery of all the victims.
Scalise, he continued, is a "very good friend. He's a patriot and he's a fighter. He will recover from this assault."
"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," said Trump. "America is praying for you and America is praying for all the victims of this terrible shooting."
Trump said he spoke with Scalise's wife, Jennifer, and has pledged "our full, absolute support" to her and their family.
"Anything she needs, we are with her, and with the entire Scalise family," said Trump.
He said he also has spoken with Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa to express sympathies for the wounded officers and to express his admiration for their courage.
"We also commend the brave first responders from Alexandria Police, Fire and Rescue, who rushed to the scene," said Trump. "Everyone on that field was a public servant. Our courageous police, our congressional aides, who worked so tirelessly behind the scenes with enormous devotion, and our dedicated members of Congress who represent our people."
"We may have our differences, but we do well in times like these to remember that everyone who serves in our nation's capital is here because above all, they love our country," Trump continued. "We can all agree that we are blessed to be Americans, that our children deserve to grow up in a nation of safety and peace, and that we are strongest when we are unified, and when we work together for the common good. Please take a moment today to cherish those you love and always remember those who serve and keep us safe. God bless them all, god bless you, and god bless America."
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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