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Wed, June 14, 2017: Trump visits Steve Scalise in hospital following congressional baseball practice shooting

President Trump visited Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., in the hospital where he is being treated for a gunshot wound to the hip following a shooting at a Republican baseball practice early Wednesday evening.

Trump arrived at MedStar Washington Hospital around 8:40 p.m., according to a pool report. Melania Trump accompanied her husband. White House staff members carried flowers. They left around 9:10 pm.

 

Scalise remains in critical condition, MedStar Washington said in a statement.

White House press secretary told reporters that Trump spoke with Scalise’s family and met with the congressman. “He entered the room, spoke with Scalise’s family, and sat by his bedside with Mrs. Trump,” Spicer said.

Trump also tweeted about his visit, praising Scalise as “a real fighter.”

The congressional baseball game is scheduled to be played at Nationals Park on Thursday night. Trump is not expected to go due to security and logistical concerns.

–The Washington Examiner

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Wed, June 14, 2017: Trump cancels Labor Dept. speech after lawmaker shooting

President Trump has canceled a Wednesday afternoon speech following a shooting at a congressional baseball practice, a White House official said.

Trump was set to speak at the Labor Department to roll out a new initiative designed to boost job training and apprenticeship programs and to sign an executive order.

Much of official Washington is shutting down following the shooting, which left House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), a congressional staff member and others injured.

The House canceled votes, and hearings were canceled in both chambers.

Click here to read more from The Hill.

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Wed, June 14, 2017: Trump responds to shooting at congressional baseball practice

President Donald Trump addressed the country from the White House Wednesday morning, about three and a half hours after a shooting at a congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia. Five people were injured, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise—the third-ranking Republican.

Trump for the most part appeared to follow a teleprompter while delivering a thoughtful, moving call for unity. He spoke for a bit longer than four minutes, beginning by providing details about the shooting, which was reported shortly before 8 a.m. EDT, and then announcing that the assailant had died from injuries and that the FBI, which took over the investigation, would provide updates as they became available.

Trump commended the heroic actions of the two officers from the U.S. Capitol Police who sustained injuries while stopping the gunman, as well as the local Alexandria officials who responded. “Melania and I,” he said about the first lady, “are grateful for their heroism, and praying for the swift recovery of all victims.”

He said Washington, the country and the entire world were praying for the victims, and that he pledged his full support when he spoke with Scalise’s wife and Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa. Scalise is one of his friends.

–Michelle Gorman, Newsweek