‘Oh My God': Local Lawmakers React to Congressman's Shooting

Shots broke out at a baseball field in Alexandria, Virginia, Wednesday morning where members of the GOP congressional baseball team were practicing, injuring one congressman and several others.

U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise from Louisiana, who serves as the House Majority Whip, was the only congressman shot but has been listed in stable condition. Three others, including a congressional aide to Texas Rep. Roger Williams and a Capitol Police officer, were also shot, and another officer was also injured. Authorities say the gunman is in custody.

Lawmakers around New England have released statements in the wake of the shooting expressing their shock at the events that unfolded at the Congressional Republican baseball practice at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park in Alexandra's Del Ray neighborhood.

MASSACHUSETTS

Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal, another member of the Democratic team, was in a meeting in the Capitol instead of at practice Wednesday morning, according to his communications director.

"My thoughts are with @SteveScalise, all those injured, and the brave Capitol Police who protect us every day," Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts tweeted.

Democratic Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey tweeted, "To @SteveScalise, the other shooting victims and their families: I am praying for you. You have the strength of our nation w/ you right now."

[NATL] Shooting at GOP Congressional Baseball Practice in Va.

"Thinking of @SteveScalise and my other colleagues practicing for the big game tomorrow night. We must act to put an end to this violence," Congressman Seth Moulton, a Massachusetts Democrat, tweeted out.

"Horrified," Democratic Congressman Jim McGovern of Massachusetts tweeted out. "My thoughts and prayers are w/ @Steve Scalise, my Republican colleagues and Capitol Police."

"Praying for @SteveScalise, staff, Capitol Police and other victims of this horrific attack," Congressman Joe Kennedy III, a Massachusetts Democrat, said on Twitter.

Democratic Massachusetts Congresswoman Katherine Clark tweeted out, "I'm horrified by the shooting at Congressional baseball practice. Praying for the safety of my colleagues, their staff and Capitol Police."

"Praying for @SteveScalise, congressional staff members, Capitol Police, and all those affected by this morning's horrific shooting," Massachusetts Rep. Stephen Lynch tweeted out.

Massachusetts Rep. Michael Capuano tweeted, "Thoughts are with Rep. Steve Scalise, Capitol Police and everyone at softball practice, truly horrifying. Grateful shooter in custody."

"As situation in Alexandria develops, my prayers for a speedy recovery are with Rep. @SteveScalise, our Capitol Police, and staffers," Massachusetts Rep. Bill Keating tweeted out.

The Massachusetts State Police have increased patrols around the State House although police say the measure is strictly precautionary.

"There is no known threat to Massachusetts," they added.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

"Praying for my colleague Steve Scalise and the Capitol Police officers and Congressional staffers hurt in this morning's horrifying shooting. Thankful to the Capitol Police and first responders," New Hampshire Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, a Democrat, said in a statement, adding that she was closely following the developing situation.

New Hampshire's senators and governor also expressed their shock on social media.

"My prayers are with @SteveScalise, Capitol Police, and others injured following horrific shooting this morning," Sen. Maggie Hassan tweeted.

"Very concerned for @SteveScalise & all those hurt this AM. Also thoughts are w/ @CapitolPolice who risk their lives to protect Congress," Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said on Twitter.

Gov. Chris Sununu said he and his wife's "thoughts and prayers are with those affected by thsi horrible tragedy developing in Alexandria, VA this morning."

MAINE

GOP Maine Congressman Bruce Poliquin said he and his staff are safe.

"Thinking of our colleagues & staff involved in Alexandria baseball shooting. We are grateful to Capitol police for their service to us all," Maine Rep. Chellie Pingree said.

"Thoughts & prayers are with @SteveScalise and all affected by the shooting this AM," Maine Governor Paul LePage said in a tweet.

"Praying for my colleagues, Capitol Police, staff and all those at the Congressional baseball practice this morning," Maine's Sen. Angus King said.

Sen. Susan Collins tweeted, "Every day we see the skill and professionalism of the Capitol Police. Today, we were reminded of their incredible courage."

VERMONT

"Shocking news," Vt. Rep. Peter Welch tweeted out. "Thinking of my friend @SteveScalise, Capitol Police, staff and families."

Sen. Patrick Leahy said he was praying for those injured, adding, "our deepest thanks -- again -- to the superb Capitol Police who protect all who work in or visit the Capitol."

"Our prayers go out for a full recovery of Rep. Scalise, the congressional aides and police who were injured," Sen. Bernie Sanders tweeted out. "We've got to stop the violence."

RHODE ISLAND

In a tweet, Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed said he was "Outraged by senseless shooting my Congressional colleagues, staff, & police in Virginia this am. Our thoughts & prayers are with them."

Rhode Island's Democratic representatives also expressed their thoughts and prayers on Twitter.

"Shocked and saddened by news of the shooting in Virginia," Rep. Jim Langevin said. "My prayers are with @SteveScalise and others injured during this heinous act."

"Horrible news," Rep. David Cicilline tweeted. "Keeping @SteveScalise, staff, and the Capitol Police who were at the ballpark this morning in my thoughts and prayers."

CONNECTICUT

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, who is on the roster for this year's Democratic team, initially tweeted out, "Oh my God" Wednesday morning. 

He later added, "We are pulling for you @SteveScalise. My heart is with you, the Capitol Police, and everyone who was on the scene."

In a series of tweets, Connecticut's Sen. Richard Blumenthal said his "heart goes out to Congressman Scalise, his staff, and the security officials involved in this horrific shooting in Alexandria.

"Especially grateful for swift action of @CapitolPolice, who unhesitatingly disregarded danger to themselves in protecting others," he continued, adding, "I am hopeful we can put aside politics and support all affected."