Multiple people were shot after a gunman opened fire on a group of Republican lawmakers in Alexandria, Virginia, around 7 a.m. on Wednesday.
Among those who were shot was House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), who was there with others braving the heat to practice for an annual congressional baseball game. He was shot in the hip and is being treated at the nearby GWU Hospital, The Associated Press said. His injuries were not life-threatening, according to ABC and NBC. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) told reporters that he used his belt as a tourniquet to stop Scalise’s bleeding.
Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas) said one of his staffers was also shot.
Five people, including the suspect, were transported to a local hospital, Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown said during a press conference Wednesday. Officials would not identify the victims.The suspect was only identified as a middle- aged white male. Witnesses reported he appeared to be using an AR-15 - style automatic weapon.
Keep in mind:
Virginia:— David Frum (@davidfrum) June 14, 2017
No background checks
No licensing
No registration
No permit req’d for concealed carry of long guns
Open carry long guns & handguns
UPDATE: The shooter is being identified as James T. Hodgkinson of Illinois.
UPDATE II: The shooter has died of his wounds. Here's a bit more of what may have been his motivation:
The man who opened fire on Republican lawmakers practicing for an upcoming baseball game on Wednesday was apparently a Bernie Sanders supporter outspoken in his distaste for the GOP, President Donald Trump and former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. [snip]
Online court records suggest Hodgkinson had a history of violence. He was arrested in 2006 on suspicion of battery with intent to cause bodily harm. He was also charged with domestic battery, criminal damage of property and reckless discharge of a firearm during the incident.Terrific.
UPDATE III: Frum's point above about Virginia's gun laws notwithstanding, Steve M. points out that with his police record, the shooter should never have been in possession of a firearm in his native Illinois.
