The President: As you all know, shortly after 7:00 AM
this morning, a gunman opened fire on members
of Congress and their staffs as they were practicing
for tomorrow's annual charity baseball game.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the crime,
and the assailant has now died from his injuries.
The FBI is leading the investigation, and will continue
to provide updates as new information becomes available.
Congressman Steve Scalise, a member of House leadership,
was shot and badly wounded,
and is now in stable condition at the hospital along with
two very courageous Capitol Police officers.
At least two others were also wounded.
Many lives would have been lost if not for the heroic
actions of the two Capitol Police officers who took down
the gunman, despite sustaining gunshot wounds
during a very, very brutal assault.
Melania and I are grateful for the heroism,
and praying for the swift recovery of all victims.
Congressman Scalise is a friend, and a very good friend.
He's a patriot, and he's a fighter.
He will recover from this assault.
And, Steve, I want you to know that you have the prayers,
not only of the entire city behind you,
but of an entire nation.
And, frankly, the entire world.
America is praying for you, and America is praying for all
of the victims of this terrible shooting.
I spoke with Steve's wife, Jennifer, and I pledged to her
our full and absolute support.
Anything she needs.
We're with her, and with the entire Scalise family.
I have also spoken with Chief Matthew Verderosa;
he's doing a fantastic job, of the Capitol Police
to express our sympathies for his wounded officers,
and to express my admiration for their courage.
Our brave Capitol Police perform a challenging job
with incredible skill, and their sacrifice makes
democracy possible.
We also commend the brave first responders from
Alexandria Police Fire and Rescue who rushed to the scene.
Everyone on that field is a public servant.
Our courageous police, our congressional aides
who work so tirelessly behind the scenes with enormous
devotion, and our dedicated members
of Congress who represent our people.
We may have our differences, but we do well
in times like these to remember that everyone
who serves in our nation's Capital is here because,
above all, they love our country.
We can all agree that we are blessed to be Americans,
that our children deserve to grow up in a nation of safety
and peace,
and that we are strongest when we are unified
and when we work together for the common good.
Please take a moment today to cherish those you love,
and always remember those who serve and keep us safe.
God bless them all, God bless you, and God bless America.
Thank you.