Update: Police have confirmed they returned fire at the scene and have taken the suspect into custody.
At least five people, including Minority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise, were shot Wednesday morning in Alexandria, Virginia in what police are calling a “deliberate attack.”
Two Capitol Hill police were also injured, along with a congressional staffer. As of now, no deaths have been reported from the incident.
Scalise was reportedly shot in the hip during the attack, which occurred during a practice game for the GOP congressional baseball team at around 7 a.m. EST. Eyewitnesses reported the shooter was a middle-aged white male, saying he fired off anywhere between 50 and 100 rounds in an attack that may have lasted upwards of 10 minutes, according to congressmen at the scene, including Rep. Rand Paul.
Fox News reported that police shot the suspect at the scene.
Before the attack occurred, Rep. Ron DeSantis said he was approached by a man matching the description of the shooter, who asked, “Are those Republicans or Democrats out there practicing?”
Rep. Mo Brooks told a local radio station that the attacker used a rifle to carry out his attack.
President Donald trump released a statement from the White House shortly after the shooting, saying he and the vice president were monitoring the situation closely. “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy,” the president said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the members of Congress, their staffs, Capitol Police, first responders and all others affected.
Scalise is said to be in stable condition at a nearby hospital.