Florida politicians in Washington, D.C. offered words of condolence after House Majority Whip Steve Scalise was shot in Alexandria, Virginia early Wednesday morning.
Details of the shooting are still fuzzy, but reports say Republican congressmen were practicing for a charity baseball game in Alexandria.
Scalise was in critical condition at the time of this article's release and several others were injured.
The shooter was caught by Capitol Police shortly after the incident.
Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., was also at the baseball practice and said a man came up to him before practice and asked him if the men practicing on the field were Republicans or Democrats. It is unknown whether the man was the shooter.
U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Fla., was also present but left the practice moments before the shooting took place.
“I left a few minutes before this happened,” DeSantis said on Fox News Wednesday.
Here’s how Florida politicians reacted to the news:
President Donald Trump:
"The Vice President and I are aware of the shooting incident in Virginia and are monitoring developments closely. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the members of Congress, their staffs, Capitol Police, first responders, and all others affected."
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. (via Twitter):
“My prayers to @SteveScalise, staff, and @CapitolPolice.
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla (via Twitter):
"We are all Americans first, regardless of party. We are all on the same team. And we’re praying for those injured in this heinous attack."
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla.:
“Congressman Steve Scalise is one of the toughest people I know. Praying for his speedy recovery, and for all the staff and United States Capitol Police officers involved this morning."
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla.:
"Vern was not at the practice. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rep. Scalise, congressional staff, and Capitol Police officers involved."
U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, D-Fla (via Twitter):
“Devastated by this morning's news. Praying for my fellow members and staff attacked.”
U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla. (via Twitter):
“Everyone say a prayer for @SteveScalise and his family this morning. Apparently others were shot as well. Sad day at the Capitol.”
U.S. Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla. (via Twitter):
“Saddened to hear about the senseless attack on my colleagues, the Capitol police and their staff this morning. My prayers are with them. I'm relieved to hear the perpetrator was caught and grateful for the bravery of the @CapitolPolice and first responders.”
U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Fla. (via Twitter):
“Sending thoughts & prayers to @SteveScalise @CapitolPolice & others shot this morning. We must stand together in face of this terrible news.”
U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla.:
“Today is a sad day for our country. Leah's and my thoughts and prayers are with Congressman Steve Scalise, the Capitol Police and staff involved in this morning’s tragic shooting. We are grateful to the Capitol Police for putting themselves in harm’s way to protect the congressional community.”
U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Fla.:
“Cindy’s and my thoughts and prayers are with Whip Scalise, the staff, the Capitol Police officers, and the family and friends of those hurt. Our deep appreciation goes out to the Capitol Police and local law enforcement officers for their protection.”
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
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