From politicians to George Takei, many wished the representative a speedy recovery.
President Trump was among numerous politicians who took to Twitter following the shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and several others during a baseball practice in Alexandria, Va., early Wednesday morning.
Read: Congressman Steve Scalise, Aide and Capitol Officers Shot at Baseball Practice in Virginia
The president called Scalise “a true friend and patriot," who "was badly injured but will fully recover.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with him.”
Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 14, 2017
Scalise, a Republican from Louisiana, was at a congressional baseball team practice when the shots were fired.
First Lady Melania Trump, who recently moved into the White House, expressed her support of the police and first responders who rushed to the scene.
Thank you to the first responders who rushed in to help protect those who were hurt in Alexandria, VA. My thoughts & prayers to everyone!
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) June 14, 2017
Two Capitol police officers and a congressional aide were also shot when the gunman, who is now in custody, opened fire on the baseball field on E. Monroe Street in Richmond.
Rep. Mo Brooks of Alabama, who was at the ballfield, told The Associated Press that Scalise, 51, suffered "a hip wound" and was down on the ground.
Scalise’s colleagues and others have taken to social media to express their support.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper expressed his well wishes on Twitter.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rep. Scalise, congressional staff, Capitol Police, & the first responders involved in today’s shooting. https://t.co/2C1fskkgxP
— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) June 14, 2017
Gabby Giffords, herself a victim of gun violence, said her “heart” is with her former colleagues.
My heart is with my former colleagues, their families & staff, and the US Capitol Police- public servants and heroes today and every day.
— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) June 14, 2017
California Senator Kamala Harris said she was “horrified” by what happened early Wednesday morning.
Horrified by what happened in Alexandria this morning. My heart goes out to Steve Scalise, staffers, the US Capitol Police & their families.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 14, 2017
Star Trek actor George Takei, who often uses his social media accounts to comment on current events, was surprised by the news and called the shooting “a senseless horrific act.”
The shooting in Alexandria this AM was a senseless horrific act. My thoughts are with Rep. Scalise, the Capitol Police & all those impacted.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) June 14, 2017
Scalise’s own Twitter account also provided an update of his condition, and told his followers to “keep the Whip and others harmed in this incident in your thoughts and prayers.”
Update on the Condition of Majority Whip Steve Scalise https://t.co/Lfna1fgHLL pic.twitter.com/BVGXbOKRMY
— Rep. Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) June 14, 2017
Five people were transported to local hospitals, including the suspect, Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown said.
"The field was basically a killing field," Sen. Rand Paul told CNN.
Republican lawmakers were practicing for a bipartisan baseball game scheduled for Thursday when the gunfire rang out.
Senator Jeff Flake told reporters that Scalise had been on second base when they all heard a "very loud shot" and saw a gunman by the third base dugout.
After the suspect fired a few more shots, "we knew what it was," Flake said.
Read: Suspect in Killings of Mom and Her 2 Daughters Believed to Be Behind New Murders: Cops
"We climbed into the dugout and tried to get our own people engaged," he said. "Some people were calling 911."
"Scalise dragged himself after he was shot... 10 or 15 yards into the field... a bit further from the gunman," Flake continued.
"When the shooter was down, I ran low out to Steve and started putting pressure on his wound."
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