Several people, including a congressman, two Capitol Police officers, and a congressional aide were shot Wednesday morning during a baseball practice.
Republican congressmen and their staffers were at the Eugene Simpson Stadium Park baseball fields in Alexandria when a shooter opened fire shortly after 7 a.m. local time. House majority whip Steve Scalise and a staffer to Rep. Roger Williams were shot.
Scalise was transported to a local hospital where he remains in stable condition.
"We ask that you keep the Whip and others harmed in this incident in your thoughts and prayers," Scalise's office said.
A number of Republican and Democrat members of Congress, as well as governors and other lawmakers shared their prayers on Twitter.
Democratic Whip of the U.S. House of Representatives tweeted that he's "thinking of his friend."
I am monitoring reports of the situation in Virginia. Thinking of my friend, @SteveScalise, and his staff.
Gabrielle Giffords, was shot in the head while meeting with constituents in Arizona in 2011, called public servants "heroes."
My heart is with my former colleagues, their families & staff, and the US Capitol Police- public servants and heroes today and every day.
Congressman Steven Palazzo tweeted that he is safe and fine.
I am safe and fine. Please pray for my colleagues and any staff and their families who were involved in this morning's shooting.
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said today "there are no Democrats or Republicans, only Americans united"
On days like today, there are no Democrats or Republicans, only Americans united in our thoughts for the wounded. https://t.co/HcsiRCcFiP
This morning the hearts of the whole House are with @SteveScalise, the brave Capitol police, staff, and all those who were in harm's way.
Several other lawmakers reacted to the shooting:
Pray for my GOP colleagues, staff, & Capitol Police who were shot at their baseball practice. So sick to hear of this cowardly ambush.
.@callygingrich &I are deeply saddened by horrific event in VA.Praying for our friend @stevescalise, @CapitolPolice & congressional staffers
Unspeakable evil. Pray that Rep Scalise, police officers and everyone else will be ok.
Praying for @SteveScalise and all others involved in the shooting at GOP Congressional baseball practice this morning.
My staff and I are safe. Thoughts and prayers are with my colleagues and staff at the Congressional baseball practice this morning.
My thoughts and prayers are with @SteveScalise, @CapitolPolice, and all of those involved in the shooting this morning.
Horrified by what happened in Alexandria this morning. My heart goes out to Steve Scalise, staffers, the US Capitol Police & their families.
Deeply saddened by this morning's events in VA, but grateful for the good work of Capitol Police. Praying for @SteveScalise & all involved.
Reports that my former House colleague @SteveScalise has been shot and others injured as well. Praying for them and… https://t.co/CHlS7yAbp2
Please pray with me for my friend @SteveScalise, USCP and all those there. https://t.co/ugvaL6n0kY
My thoughts and prayers are with my colleagues, the staffers and the U.S. Capitol Police officers involved in this morning's shooting.
Please pray for Steve and all those injured. https://t.co/HsRN1Zm9kn
Trudi and I send our thoughts to Rep. Scalise, the police officers, Congressional staff and others injured.
An important reminder about the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice of the @CapitolPolice. https://t.co/LuC7ymMjom
Rep. Wenstrup later tweeted that he's grateful for the Capitol police and emergency responders.
You never expect a baseball field in America to feel like being back in a combat zone in Iraq, but this morning it did.