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Indiana lawmakers react to Congressional baseball shooting

Posted at 1:44 PM, Jun 14, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-14 19:43:49-04

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Shortly after the news broke of the shooting at the congressional baseball practice Wednesday, Indiana lawmakers began offering their thoughts and prayers to those hurt -- as well as checking in to make sure everybody knew they were safe.

Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), a congressional staffer and members of the congressional police force were shot Wednesday morning in Alexandria, Virginia, in what is being called an apparent "deliberate attack."

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Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-IN) is listed on the roster for the Democratic team, but was not on the field at the time of the shooting. The shooting took place at a practice for the Republican team.

On Twitter, Donnelly released the following statement:

"I am shocked & praying for the safety & recovery of my friend Steve Scalise & all the others shot, including the officers.I was practicing at the time with the Democratic team in DC and am okay."

Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) released a video statement on the shooting:

His statement says:

“Hello friends. This has been a very difficult morning for our Capitol Hill family. Having served in the House of Representatives for six years, my first thought when I heard the news this morning was concern for my friends, former colleagues, police officers, and everyone in the area at that time.

“I am relieved to learn that the injured, including Whip Scalise, will be okay and I thank God for the quick actions of the Capitol Hill Police officers. The Capitol Police force is our “thin blue line” on Capitol Hill. They stand ready to protect everyone - from Members and staff to constituents and tourists – who visit the Capitol complex each day. They will be getting a few extra handshakes from me today and I know many others will be doing the same. 

“I hope tomorrow’s Congressional baseball game will continue, but in the meantime, the Members, staff, and families of everyone involved will remain in my prayers.

“Let me leave you with this message: I encourage all of us to be kind to one another; I think we could all use a little more kindness these days.”

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Vice President Mike Pence, a former Congressman and Governor from Indiana: 

Rep. Andre Carson (IN-07): 

Rep. Jim Banks (IN-03):

"I am praying for Congressman Scalise and those wounded during this morning’s baseball practice. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. I am grateful for the men and women of the Capitol Police who selflessly put their lives on the line every day to protect members of Congress and their staff.” 

Rep. Todd Rokita (IN-04): 

“I am shocked by this horrible news. Many of those on the practice field today are my friends. Steve Scalise is a leader, a mentor and a good friend to me. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone on the field today. I want to thank our law enforcement officers for responding quickly to this situation.”

Rep. Susan Brooks (IN-05):

Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (IN-09):

Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02):

Rep. Pete Visclosky (IN-01):

Rep. Larry Buschon (IN-08):