The Slatest

Trump Delivers Statement on Shooting at Congressional Baseball Practice

President Trump delivered a brief statement Wednesday morning on the shooting at a congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia, during which he announced that the shooter, who has been identified as James T. Hodgkinson III of Illinois, had died of injuries sustained during the confrontation. President Trump:

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. Melania and I are grateful for the heroism and praying for the swift recovery of all victims. Congressman Scalise is a friend and a very good friend. He’s a patriot and he’s a fighter. He will recover from this assault and Steve, I want you to know that you have the prayers not only of the entire city behind you, but of an entire nation and, frankly, the entire world. America is praying for you and America is praying for all of the victims of this terrible shooting. I spoke with Steve’s wife, Jennifer, and I pledged to her our full and absolute support. Anything she needs. We are with her and with the entire Scalise family.

Trump went on to commend police, first responders, and congressional aides for their bravery during the incident. “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. “We can all agree that we are blessed to be Americans, that our children deserve to grow up in a nation of safety and peace and that we are strongest when we are unified and when we work together for the common good. Please take a moment today to cherish those you love and always remember those who serve and keep us safe.”