June 15 (UPI) — House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., underwent his third surgery on Thursday and remains in critical condition after a shooting during baseball practice.
The MedStar Washington Hospital Center on Wednesday released details about Scalise’s condition, saying the bullet fractured his bones and tore through internal organs.
“Congressman Steve Scalise sustained a single rifle shot to the left hip. The bullet traveled across his pelvis, fracturing bones, injuring internal organs and causing severe bleeding,” the statement said. “He underwent immediate surgery, and an additional procedure to stop bleeding. He has received multiple units of blood transfusion.”
Sources familiar with Scalise’s condition said the third surgery is routine for gunshot victims.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on Thursday urged prayers for Scalise and the other victims injured in the shooting. McConnell said a bipartisan baseball game Thursday night would go on as scheduled.
“The events of yesterday were devastating, and we know it will take time to heal. But for now, the members of the congressional baseball team have made the decision to go forward with tonight’s game, which will be played for charity,” McConnell said. “I know we’ll be thinking about each of them as they take the field tonight.
President Donald Trump visited the congressman’s bedside and called for prayers Wednesday night.
Donald Trump made an unannounced visit along with first lady Melania Trump and White House physician Ronny Jackson to the hospital Wednesday night hours after Scalise’s first surgery following the shooting at a Republican team charity baseball practice at the Eugene Simpson Stadium Park in Alexandria, Va.
The Trumps brought bouquets of flowers for the victims of the shooting during the visit that lasted less than half an hour, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters.
“He entered the room, spoke with Scalise’s family, and sat by his bedside with Mrs. Trump,” Spicer said.
During his visit, Donald Trump also met with Capitol Police special agent Crystal Griner, who was shot while returning gunfire during the Wednesday shooting, and Griner’s wife, Tiffany Dyar. The hospital lists Griner in good condition.
“Just left hospital. Rep. Steve Scalise, one of the truly great people, is in very tough shape — but he is a real fighter. Pray for Steve!” Donald Trump wrote on Twitter.
Law enforcement authorities said 66-year-old James T. Hodgkinson carried out the shooting, which also injured congressional staffer Zach Barth, food industry lobbyist Matt Mika and Capitol Police special agent David Bailey.
The FBI said Hodgkinson, of Belleville, Ill., died after he was shot by police.
Hodgkinson belonged to multiple anti-Republican political groups and was distraught over the election of Trump last fall, his brother, Michael Hodgkinson, said. Last year, he volunteered for the Democratic campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders, who condemned the attack Wednesday.
“I am sickened by this despicable act,” the Vermont senator said. “Let me be as clear as I can be. Violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms.”
