Donald Trump

‘Sickened': Bernie Sanders Says GOP Baseball Practice Gunman Volunteered on Campaign

"Violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society and I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms"

Sen. Bernie Sanders said he was "sickened" by the shooting of Rep. Steve Scalise and three other people at a congressional baseball practice in Virginia on Wednesday, apparently committed by a Sanders campaign volunteer.

"I am sickened by this despicable act," the Vermont senator said of the attack by a gunman identified by NBC sources as James T. Hodgkinson. Sanders said he had been informed that Hodgkinson had volunteered on his presidential campaign.

"Violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society and I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms," Sanders said in a statement he read on the floor of the Senate. He also offered his prayers for those who were wounded and thanked the Capitol Police officers who responded.

In reaction to the violence in Alexandria, Virginia, Vermonters of both political parties called for peace and greater civility.

President Donald Trump announced that the gunman had died. None of the victims has died.

Scalise, a Louisiana Republican and the House majority whip, is in stable condition after undergoing surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

"Congressman Scalise is a friend, and a very good friend," Trump said. "He's a patriot and a fighter. Steve, I want you to know, you have the prayers of not only an entire city, but an entire nation behind you and, frankly, the entire world."

The other victims who were shot are Matt Mika, director of government relations for Tyson foods; Zack Barth, an aide to Republican Rep. Roger Williams of Texas; and a Capitol Police officer.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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