By Hastings Wyman –
The shootings at the Republican practice for the annual baseball game between Republican and Democratic members of Congress included many Southerners. In addition to Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), Zachary Barth, an aide to US Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX) was shot. Two physicians, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) helped the victims until ambulances arrived.
The shooter, identified as a Bernie Sanders supporter, “was there to kill as many Republicans as possible,” US Rep. Mike Walker (R-NC) told a reporter.
Reactions to the shootings included US Rep. Dave Brat (R-VA), who said members were likely to rethink Town Hall meetings. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said, “One thing I hope we’ll do is just watch our words a little bit.”