Police tweeted they "believed" the gunman was in custody. Sen. Mike Lee told Fox News, however, the gunman was dead. He said a staffer used a belt as a tourniquet to stop Scalise's bleeding.
"Both @POTUS & @VP are aware of the developing situation in Virginia. Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected," White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer tweeted.
The shots were reported on East Monroe Street in Del Ray, Alexandria police said on Twitter at 7:30 a.m. The location was near a YMCA.
Scalise, 51, is the House majority whip. He has represented Louisiana’s First Congressional District since 2008 and chairs the House Republican Study Committee. He is married with two children. Scalise's district includes New Orleans.
U.S. Senator Rand Paul was on the ball field along with other members of Congress when the reported 50-100 shots rang out. West Kentucky Star has confirmed with Paul's office that he is ok. A short time ago, Paul was on MSNBC's Morning Joe and is quoted as saying "Everybody would've died except for the fact that Capitol Hill police were there."
Paul released a statement a short time ago: "As you have likely heard a gunman with a rifle opened fire on Congressmen, Senators, staff and police this morning. I was there and am shaken but unharmed. Many people likely would have died this morning if not for the bravery of the Capitol Police. My thanks to them are inadequate but heartfelt. They never hesitated to put their lives on the line to save everyone. Please pray for those for all those who were injured."
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