June 16 (UPI) — Although he remains in critical condition, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise stands a good chance for an “excellent” recovery after being shot at a charity baseball practice outside Washington this week.
Physicians said Friday that Scalise, R-La., has stabilized over the last two days following multiple surgeries that became necessary when he was hit in the shooting attack at a baseball field in Alexandria, Va., early Tuesday.
During the assault, Scalise was shot by a 7.62 mm rifle bullet in his hip area and received serious injuries, including massive blood loss. Doctors said he was near death upon arrival at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
“He was in critical condition with an imminent risk of death,” Dr. Jack Sava said Friday, adding that doctors have been encouraged by his progress.
“The [bullet] fragmented and did substantial damage to bones, internal organs, and blood vessels.”
Even with the progress over the last two days, though, Sava said Scalise will remain in the hospital for the near future.
Lawmakers went ahead with the charity baseball game on Thursday to honor Scalise. The Democratic team won 11-2 and the game raised more than $1 million for local charities.
