A gunman fired shots at United States lawmakers Wednesday morning as they prepared for a baseball game. The shooting took place just south of Washington, DC, in Alexandria, Virginia. The lawmakers all belong to the Republican Party. There were injuries in the attack. Police said five people were taken to hospitals for treatment. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise was shot in the hip, according to other lawmakers. Scalise is part of the Republican leadership in the House of Representatives. Congressman Mo Brooks of Alabama said he was working out with about 20-25 other members of Congress when he heard shots. Brooks told CNN television that he saw the gunman for only a second. He said the man fired at least 50 shots from a fence behind the third-base position of a baseball field. “I see a rifle, and I see a little bit of a body and then I hear another bam and I realize there’s still an active shooter. At the same time I hear Steve Scalise over at second base scream — he was shot,” Brooks said on CNN. The gunman was taken down by shots from security officers, one of whom continued firing after being injured, Brooks said. Police said the suspect is being treated for injuries. Brooks said he knew that if he could see the gunman’s face, “the shooter could see me.” He also said that Scalise was shot in the hip, and slowly moved into the baseball field’s outfield to get away from the shooter. “There is not a whole lot you can do,” Brooks told CNN. “It was emotional to know the position he was in.” Scalise’s office said doctors operated on the congressman at a Washington hospital. It said he is in stable condition. “Prior to entering surgery, (Scalise) was in good spirits and spoke to his wife by phone,” his office said. The Trump administration released a statement from President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. “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.” Later, Trump tweeted about Scalise’s injury. “Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.” The Republican lawmakers were preparing for a baseball game Thursday against congressional Democrats. The two sides use the game to raise money for charity. I’m Jill Robbins. Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. His story was based on information from VOA News, the Associated Press, Reuters and other sources. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. ___________________________________________________________ Words in This Story according – adv. as stated by or in work out – v. to exercise rifle - n. a gun that has a long barrel and that is held against your shoulder when you shoot it stable – adj. firmly established; not changing staff – n. the people responsible for the operations of an organization or business responder – n. a member of an emergency rescue crew charity – n. a goodwill gift for public purposes
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