Congressmen And Others Shot At A Baseball Practice

A gunman opened fire on a Republican congressional team practice Wednesday and at least one congressman was wounded, authorities said.

Multiple congressman at the scene in Alexandria, Va., said Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., was among those wounded. Police in Alexandria, Va., said a suspect was in custody.

Alexandria Chief Michael Brown said five people received medical transport from the scene.

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., said the shooting occurred at the field where the Republican baseball team practices. The practice session was almost over when the shooting occurred, he said.

“I heard a bang, and I thought it sounded like a gun. I never saw a shooter," he said. "I heard him. I was close to the damn thing. Some of our people have been hit. This is horrible. I got bloody running and jumping into the dugout.”

Fleischmann estimated there were 50 to 60 people at the practice, including House members, senators and their staffs. “Many have been shot, but a lot like me got bloody running for cover,” he said.

“It is just a madhouse here,” Fleischmann said. “It’s horrible. I’ve never experienced anything like that.”

Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., who was at the scene, said several people were shot but that Scalise was the only House member wounded.

"We heard a very loud shot" during batting practice," Flake said. Then many more shots, and Capitol Police returned fire.

Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala., told CNN, people scattered and that Scalise was among those who were shot.

"He was not able to move under his own power. He was dragging his body from second base," Brooks said. "There was not a whole lot we could do. He was shot in the hip. I think it was not a life-threatening wound."

"It's not easy when you see people around you being shot and you don't have a weapon yourself," Brooks said. "You feel helpless."