The all-Democratic Bay State delegation was swift to express support for their Republican colleagues who were targeted by a gunman at a congressional baseball team practice this morning, leaving U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) among five wounded in Alexandria, Va.
“Thinking of @SteveScalise and my other colleagues practicing for the big game tomorrow night,” U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton tweeted. “We must act to put an end to this violence.”
“To @SteveScalise, the other shooting victims and their families: I am praying for you,” tweeted U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey. “You have the strength of our nation w/ you right now.”
Markey, and several other members of Congress from Massachusetts, also extolled the Capitol Police, who fired on the shooter, identified as 66-year-old Illinois man James T. Hodgkinson. As the House majority whip and a member of the leadership, Scalise is protected 24 hours a day by Capitol Police.
“I, and all of my Congressional colleagues, cannot thank the @CapitolPolice enough for their service to our safety each and every day,” Markey said in a separate tweet.
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren added, “[m]y thoughts are with @SteveScalise, all those injuried, and the brave Capitol Police who protect us every day.”
“Praying for @SteveScalise, staff, Capitol Police, and other victims of this horrific attack,” tweeted U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III.
Hodgkinson was taken into custody and has died, officials said.
Scalise was wounded in the hip and in stable condition as he underwent surgery this morning, according to officials and others at the scene.
Somerville Congressman Michael E. Capuano Tweeted “[t]houghts are with Rep. Steve Scalise, Capitol Police and everyone at softball practice, truly horrifying. Grateful shooter in custody.”
