Kansas Rep. Marshall: gunman a ‘coward’

After one of his teammates was shot at a congressional baseball practice Wednesday morning, Kansas Rep. Roger Marshall called the gunman “a coward” and the shooting “an insult to America.”

Marshall, R-Great Bend, is a member of the Republican Congressional Baseball team, but missed the practice session Wednesday morning in Alexandria, Va., where a gunman opened fire, wounding Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., and several others.

In a series of tweets following the early-morning shooting, McClatchy reporter Lindsay Wise and Kansas City Star reporter Bryan Lowry confirmed that all members of the Kansas delegation were safe and accounted for.

Along with Marshall, the Kansas delegation includes Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan.; Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan.; Rep. Lynn Jenkins, R-Topeka; Rep. Kevin Yoder, R-Overland Park; and Rep. Ron Estes, R-Wichita.

Shortly after the incident Marshall tweeted: “I am alright. Please pray with me this morning.”

The shooter – identified as James T. Hodgkinson of Belleville, Ill. – was killed after receiving returned gunfire at the scene, according to reports.

Later, in a written statement, Marshall said: “This – at a baseball practice, no less – is an insult to America, our way of live and our ability to put politics aside and enjoy a pastime to benefit charity.”

Scalise, the House Majority Whip, was expected to survive the shooting, according to the Associated Press and ABC News. Multiple reports indicated that a suspected shooter was taken into custody following the incident.

Moran said in a statement that he was stunned by the shooting.

“I am shocked and saddened by the news of this morning’s shooting and am praying for all impacted,” he said in the statement. “Today and every day I am thankful for the efforts of the United States Capitol Police and all who work to keep those who serve in Congress and our staff safe.”

Estes also released a statement that lauded the Capitol Police and asked for thoughts and prayers for the victims. Estes called the act a “senseless act of violence.”

In his statement, Marshall said:

“The coward who did this will not win in any way. Though shaken, we are not deterred in our mission to turn this country in a better direction.”

He also asked for prayers for Scalise and congressional staffers and Capitol Police officers wounded in the incident. According to wire reports from Washington, Scalise is in stable condition and expected to recover.

“Steve Scalise is the leader of our team in so many ways,” Marshall said. “Whether it is on the baseball field, the House floor, or in life, he is always encouraging, motivating and supporting his Members and teammates.

“Just two days ago, Steve and I were riding together to an event at the Secretary of the Interior’s office, enjoying each other’s company. He is a terrific friend and father, and his wife and two kids are in my prayers.”

Condemnation of the shooting crossed party lines.

“Madness... this is truly horrifying,” James Thompson, the Democratic candidate in Kansas’ 4th District, posted on Facebook. “We all hope for the speedy recovery for those involved.”

The shooting came two days after an article by Rollcall.com singled Marshall out as one of the “valuable rookies” going into Thursday’s game and the “player to watch” on the Republican team.

The 56-year-old congressman pitches for the Republicans and was quoted in the story as saying that playing on the team was “more fun than I thought it would be.”

The Republicans vs. Democrats congressional baseball game is an annual tradition that began in 1909, in which the two parties play for bragging rights and to raise money for charity.

Wednesday’s practice was in preparation for this year’s game, scheduled to be played at Nationals Park in Washington on Thursday.

This story was originally published June 14, 2017 at 9:04 AM with the headline "Kansas Rep. Marshall: gunman a ‘coward’."