UPDATE: Shooter of top Republican lawmaker has died —Trump
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — President Donald Trump called for national unity Wednesday after a gunman shot a senior Republican lawmaker and several others gathered to practice for a charity baseball game.
Trump also confirmed that the man, who opened fire at the field in Alexandria — wounding Representative Steve Scalise, two police officers and at least one congressional aide — has died of his injuries.
“We are strongest when we are unified and when we work together for the common good,” the president said in an address to the country from the Diplomatic Room of the White House.
The shooting came amid high political tension in the United States after a vitriol-filled 2016 election campaign.
“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 said, calling for the nation to put politics aside.
Trump praised the “heroic” acts of law enforcement in subduing the shooter, identified as 66-year-old James Hodgkinson.
“Many lives would have been lost 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.
“Melania and I are grateful for their heroism and praying for the swift recovery of all victims.”
Trump described Scalise as a “very good friend,” a “patriot” and a “fighter.”
“America is praying for you and America is praying for all of the victims of this terrible shooting,” he said.