Politics & Government
Illinois Congressman Witnesses GOP Shooting, Calls It 'Political Rhetorical Terrorist Act'
Chicago-area lawmakers on both sides of the aisle express concern for victims of Wednesday's attack in Alexandria.
Chicago-area lawmakers offered prayers and expressed concern for the five people who were shot and wounded after an Illinois man allegedly opened fire on a group of congressmen and aides Wednesday during a Republican congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia. One of the victims was House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, who is in critical condition. The accused gunman — James T. Hodgkinson of Belleville, Illinois — died from injuries suffered during a shootout with police.
One Illinois congressman was a witness to the attack Wednesday. US Rep. Rodney Davis (R-13th District) was batting during the baseball practice in Alexandria when gunfire was exchanged, NBC 5 Chicago reports. He was able to take shelter behind a row of cars and was not hurt during the shooting, the report added. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Chicago — or your neighborhood. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)
"This could be the first political rhetorical terrorist act that we’ve seen on our soil, and we can change that," Davis said. "Only we can change that," Davis said.
Find out what's happening in Chicagofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
More Patch Coverage on the Shooting
- Rep. Steve Scalise, 4 Others Hit By Gunfire
- Who Is James T. Hodgkinson? Illinois Home Investor ID'd As Shooter
Here's a look at how some of the state's elected leaders reacted to Wednesday's attack:
Find out what's happening in Chicagofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
US Sen. Dick Durbin, Democratic Whip (D-IL)
"Our hearts go out to the victims of a tragic shooting this morning. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the United States Capitol Police who put their lives on the line this morning and each and every day to keep members, staff, and visitors safe."
US Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
“This is a sad day for all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. We can all agree that these sorts of actions simply have no place in civil society, and we should do much more to prevent this sort of needless violence. I wish all the victims a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing my former House colleagues, Congressional staffers and Capitol Police officers back on the Hill soon. I also want to thank all the first responders for their bravery in risking their lives this morning—without their efforts, today could have been even worse.”
US Rep. Bobby Rush (D-1st District)
“My thoughts and prayers are with Whip Steve Scalise, the Congressional Staff and Capitol Police all affected by this morning’s horrible shooting.
“We are grateful for the heroism of the Capitol Police who saved countless lives. We are united in our hopes and prayers for the wounded.”
US Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-8th District)
“I was not at the scene today, but my thoughts and prayers are with Congressman Steve Scalise, the Capitol Police officers and others who were shot, and their families. This was a horrible, senseless act of violence, and we must bring the perpetrator to justice. While we don't yet know the full scale of the casualties this morning, we do know that this attack would have been inestimably worse without the presence of the brave men and women of the Capitol Police, some of whom are among the wounded. Like so many in law enforcement, they deserve our thanks every day, but especially today.”
US Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-9th District), Chief Deputy Whip
“I am shocked and horrified by the events that took place this morning. My thoughts and prayers are with Rep. Steve Scalise, the U.S. Capitol Police, the Congressional staffers present at this morning’s practice, and all those affected. I wish everyone injured a full and speedy recovery.”
US Rep. Bill Foster (R-11th District)
"My thoughts are with Majority Whip Steven Scalise and my colleagues, their staffers, families, and the Capitol Police who work hard to keep Members of Congress safe. This kind of cowardly attack on Members of Congress is horrific. Violence has no place in our government or politics, and I wish everyone who was injured a speedy recovery."
People gather near the scene of a shooting Wednesday, June 14, during a Republican congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia. (Photo by Alex Brandon | Associated Press)
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