Rare Moment of Solidarity on Capitol Hill After Scalise Shooting

As news broke Wednesday that a lone gunman opened fire on Republican lawmakers practicing for the Thursday Congressional Baseball Game in Alexandria, members from both sides of the political spectrum came together in a rare show of unity and support.

Washington, D.C., politics came to a screeching halt in the early morning after reports revealed that several people — including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), two Capitol Police officers on security detail, and an aide to Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas)  — were shot during the GOP team’s practice. Democrats took a break from vilifying Republican policies, lawmakers, and President Donald Trump to express solidarity with the ambushed GOP members of Congress.

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The Democratic team, which was also practicing Wednesday morning for the Congressional Baseball Game, canceled its practice and the members gathered to pray for their Republican colleagues when the news broke. Rep. Ruben J. Kihuen (D-Nev.) tweeted a picture of the moment.

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Rep. Nanette D. Barragán (D-Calif.), tweeted, “At baseball practice, hearing about the unthinkable horrific news. Practice shut down. Dems join-in prayer for our R colleagues & those hit.”

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“My thoughts and prayers with @SteveScalise, Capitol Police and staff at the shooting in Alexandria, VA this morning,” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) tweeted Wednesday.

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House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) tweeted, “This morning the hearts of the whole House are with @SteveScalise, the brave Capitol police, staff, and all those who were in harm’s way.”

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House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) offered his thoughts and prayers to his Republican counterpart, tweeting, “I am monitoring reports of the situation in Virginia. Thinking of my friend, @SteveScalise, and his staff.”

Hoyer added, “Thoughts & prayers are with all of my colleagues & staff at this morning’s practice. Thank you to @CapitolPolice responding on the scene.”

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Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, tweeted, “My thoughts and prayers are with my colleague, Steve Scalise, and the Capitol Police and staff shot today at a ballpark. Awful news.”

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Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), a vocal and often unhinged critic of President Donald Trump who has repeatedly called for his impeachment, also chimed in, tweeting, “My thoughts & prayers are w/ Rep. Scalise, staff, and all others affected by this horrific incident in Virginia.”

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Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), a former candidate for Democratic National Committee chair, tweeted, “Prayer & support for Rep. Steve Scalise, who was shot while practicing baseball this morning with several Congressional personnel.”

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Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.) gave an interview Wednesday on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” in which he lamented that “the temperature in politics has gone up so high.”

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“I think this country has to take a pause and really rethink our values and our morals,” Duffy said. “And you have good people on both sides who come here to serve. They’re attacked with language all the time. We have to look at this and take the temperature down. These are real people with real families.”

“And if you get that kind of leadership, I think that signals to the rest of the country, ‘Hey, these aren’t sitting targets. These are real men and women who have families and lives,'” Duffy added.

With the national obsession over the ongoing Russia probe into the 2016 election interference, the fate of Obamacare hanging in the balance in the Senate, and complaints of Democratic senators’ obstruction to the president’s agenda permeating politics and the media, the unity displayed following the shooting proved to be a breath of fresh air.

Senators from both political parties also rallied around Scalise and the other shooting victims.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer took to Twitter to offer his support, saying, “Saddened by news of the shooting in VA this am. Thoughts & prayers for Rep @SteveScalise & others injured & hope for a speedy recovery.”

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Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) tweeted, “My thoughts are with @SteveScalise, all those injured, and the brave Capitol Police who protect us every day.”

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Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) tweeted, “Horrified at the shooting in Alexandria. My thoughts and prayers with those injured.”

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Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, tweeted, “Praying for @SteveScalise, my colleagues, staff & officers involved in terrible shooting — appreciate @CapitolPolice’s bravery & swift action.”

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The president himself also expressed his support for Scalise, tweeting, “Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.”

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