As soon as news came out of Virginia that Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Mich., and multiple congressional staffers had been shot by a rifleman during softball practice, current and former lawmakers took to Twitter to express their support and prayers for a full recovery.
Gabby Giffords was quick to send her well wishes to all those involved in the shooting. She hailed the U.S. Capitol Police for acting quickly and saving lives.
My heart is with my former colleagues, their families & staff, and the US Capitol Police- public servants and heroes today and every day.
— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) June 14, 2017
President Donald Trump also sent out a tweet acknowledging the situation. He called Scalise a “true friend and patriot” and offered his thoughts and prayers.
Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 14, 2017
The vice president, too, offered his prayers.
Karen & I are praying for @SteveScalise, the Capitol Police, & all hurt for a speedy recovery. Our hearts are with them & their loved ones.
— Vice President Mike Pence Archived (@VP45) June 14, 2017
Democratic leaders threw all politics aside on Wednesday, as Democratic National Committee chairman Tom Perez said he was “heartbroken” over the “unconscionable attack.”
Heartbroken by the news of an unconscionable attack in Virginia. The thoughts of everyone at the DNC are with the victims + their families.
— Tom Perez (@TomPerez) June 14, 2017
Rep. Keith Ellison and Sen. Chuck Schumer also offered their prayers and support for their colleague across the aisle.
Prayer & support for Rep. Steve Scalise, who was shot while practicing baseball this morning with several Congressional personnel
— Keith Ellison (@keithellison) June 14, 2017
Saddened by news of the shooting in VA this am. Thoughts & prayers for Rep @SteveScalise & others injured & hope for a speedy recovery.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) June 14, 2017
Other Democratic lawmakers gave their sympathies to Scalise as well.
Horrified by shooting in Alexandria. My thoughts are with @SteveScalise, my colleagues, staff members, and police who were attacked this AM.
— U.S. Senator Al Franken (@SenFranken) June 14, 2017
Horrified by what happened in Alexandria this morning. My heart goes out to Steve Scalise, staffers, the US Capitol Police & their families.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 14, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with @SteveScalise, my colleagues, their staff and all others affected by this morning's horrific shooting.
— Rep. Bobby Scott (@BobbyScott) June 14, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with my colleague, Steve Scalise, and the Capitol Police and staff shot today at a ballpark. Awful news.
— Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) June 14, 2017
Republican leaders also used social media to provide a statement on the shooting.
This morning the hearts of the whole House are with @SteveScalise, the brave Capitol police, staff, and all those who were in harm's way.
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) June 14, 2017
My prayers to @SteveScalise, staff, and @CapitolPolice. 🇺🇸
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 14, 2017
In a statement after the shooting, Scalise’s office said that the congressman was in “good spirits” as he prepared for surgery.
Scalise Office statement pic.twitter.com/HsoijywAXy
— Burgess Everett (@burgessev) June 14, 2017
