A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Kentucky political leaders grateful for quick actions of first responders at Scalise shooting


By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today

Kentucky political leaders expressed concern over Wednesday morning’s shooting in Alexandria, Va., that wounded House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and four others.

Scalise, a Louisiana Republican, was practicing for the Congressional charity baseball game between Democrat and Republican members of Congress when the shooting began. Two Capitol Police officers, part of Scalise’s security detail were also wounded, before taking down the shooter.

In all, five people were taken to area hospitals, including the suspect, Alexandria police told the Associated Press.

“I heard 50-60 shots,” said Sen. Rand Paul, R-Bowling Green, who was at the scene just outside Washington, D.C. “Without Capitol Police, a lot of people would have been killed.”

Sen. Mitch McConnell

On the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks: “We are grateful for all those who stepped in to help: those practicing on the field, the first responders, and of course the Capitol Police Officers on the scene. We are deeply indebted for their service, we again salute their continuing and unfailing bravery on behalf of the Capitol community.”

In Frankfort, Republican Gov. Matt Bevin took to Twitter to say, “Our prayers are with Rep. Steve Scalise and others who were shot and injured … a senseless regard for life.”

Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear also posted on social media: “Praying for the Congressman, staff and Capitol Police targeted in this morning’s shooting.”

A similar sentiment came from Republican State Auditor Mike Harmon: “Please join me in offering the thoughts and prayers of all Kentuckians for those wounded, including House Majority Whip, Congressman Steve Scalise, during this morning’s senseless shooting in Alexandria, Virginia.”

Alison Lundergan Grimes, Kentucky’s Democratic Secretary of State, offered this reaction: “Praying for the safety of the entire GOP team, including Kentucky’s delegation. Grateful for the brave U. S. Capitol Police and first responders.”

Scalise, who was shot in the hip, was undergoing surgery in a Washington hospital and was in stable condition.

“Prior to entering surgery, the whip was in good spirits and spoke to his wife by phone. He is grateful for the brave actions of U.S. Capitol Police, first responders and colleagues,” his office said in a statement.


Related Posts

Leave a Comment