Steve Scalise, Republican House Whip Shot And Wounded

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Steve Scalise, Republican House Whip Shot And Wounded

A top congressman was among five people wounded as a gunman sprayed bullets at Republican lawmakers during baseball practice in a Washington DC suburb.

House of Representatives Majority Whip Steve Scalise was expected to survive after the early Wednesday attack at a park in Alexandria, Virginia.

Two police officers suffered non-life threatening bullet wounds as they fired back at the attacker.

Police said the gunman was among five people taken to hospital.

Alexandria police tweeted: “Suspect is in custody and not a threat.”

The lawmakers were practising for the annual congressional ballgame scheduled to be played on Thursday at Nationals Park, home of Major League Baseball team the Washington Nationals.Alexandria police said the FBI was taking over the investigation into the shooting, which began shortly after 07:00 (11:00 GMT) on Wednesday morning at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park.

President Donald Trump said in a statement: “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.”