'Would have been a MASSACRE': Congressman SHOT as gunman OPENS FIRE on GOP baseball practice (UPDATED)

Man asks if Republicans or Democrats were on field minutes before shooting began

A Congressman and three others have been shot after a 'white, middle-aged, rifle-wielding' gunman opened fire on a GOP baseball practice for the Congressional baseball game in Alexandria, Virginia.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - House Majority Whip Steve Scalise was shot in the hip while standing by second base during the early morning Republican baseball practice. A congressional aide and two U.S. Capitol Police were also injured during the event.

"There was a rapid succession of shots, you know five or 10 shots," Sen. Rand Paul. R-Ky told MSNBC. "In the field, I see Representative Scalise is shot but moving, and he's trying to drag himself through the dirt and out into the outfield."

UPDATE: The shooter has now been named as 66-year-old James Hodgkinson, by an anonymous law enforcement official.

President Trump has announced the assailant has died from injuries.

"Behind third base, I see a rifle...I hear Steve Scalise over near 2nd base scream," Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala told FMTALK1065. "...While all of this is going on, Steve Scalise our whip was lying on the ground near the second base position crawling into right field, leaving a trail of blood."

According to Paul, Scalise, in a Congressional leadership position, always has Capitol Police present with him. "We were like sitting ducks," Paul said. "Without the Capitol Hill police, it would have been a massacre."

Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla, who left the field just before the first shots were fired, recalled a man asked him if Republicans or Democrats were practicing. Just minutes later, the shooting began and reportedly lasted around 10 minutes.

"Finally, the shooter was shot behind home plate as he was circling around to the first base dugout where there were a number of US congressmen and other folks," Brooks stated. "Our security detail was able to incapacitate him at that point. I don't know if he [the shooter] was dead. He was wounded. I don't know how many times he was wounded."

"[I] felt like I was in Iraq, but without my weapon," expressed Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio.

Along with Scalise, Paul, Brooks, Wenstrup, and DeSantis, Rep. Roger Williams, Sen. Jeff Flake, and Reps. Mike Bishop, Jack Bergman, Chuck Fleischmann, Joe Barton, a photographer and Bishop's aides were also present. 

"The vice president and I are aware of the shooting incident in Virginia and are monitoring developments closely," President Trump said in a statement. "We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the members of Congress, their staffs, Capitol Police, first responders and all others affected."

President Trump later tweeted, "Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend, and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with him."

Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington tweeted: "Our prayers go out for @SteveScalise, the Capitol Police and others wounded or affected by this morning's attack."

Alexandria schools were placed on lockdown, and more police were deployed around the Capitol. However, the building remains open. 

According to reports, the city is now safe, and the FBI has taken lead on the investigation into the incident.

Scalise is described to be in stable condition.

"Prior to entering surgery, the Whip was in good spirits and spoke to his wife by phone," Scalise's office said in a statement. "He is grateful for the brave actions of U.S. Capitol Police, first responders, and colleagues."

We ask for prayers for all those injured and affected by this shocking event.

Pray for a quick recovery for all injured.

Pray for the emotional healing of all those affected.

Lord, You invite all who are burdened to come to you. Allow Your healing Hand to heal me. Touch my soul with Your compassion for others; touch my heart with Your courage and infinite Love for all; touch my mind with Your Wisdom, and may my mouth always proclaim Your praise. Teach me to reach out to You in all my needs, and help me to lead others to You by my example.

Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring me health in body and spirit that I may serve You with all my strength. Touch gently this life which you have created, now and forever.

Amen.

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