The gunman who opened fire on a group of congressman playing baseball, reportedly asked the men if they were Republicans or Democrats before he opened fire.
Reports said that shortly he opened fire with a semi-automatic weapon – spraying as many as 50 or 60 bullets – the suspected shooter, approached one of those present and asked about their political affiliation.
“I’m told Rep Jeff Duncan plans to give a statement to police regarding a conversation he had with the shooter before leaving practice early,” CNN reporter Rebecca Berg wrote on Twitter.
I'm told Rep. Jeff Duncan plans to give a statement to police regarding a conversation he had with the shooter before leaving practice early
— Rebecca Berg (@rebeccagberg) June 14, 2017
“The man was wearing running clothes, asked Duncan: “Are those Republicans or Democrats out there practicing?” Per source familiar.
Congressman Mo Brooks of Alabama told CNN that the gunman was armed with a rifle and appeared to be a white male, “a little bit on the chubby side”.
Mr Brooks said he saw the man only for a second, and that he was shooting from a chain link fence behind the third base position on the field where the congressional group was holding its morning practice.
He said he heard Steve Scalise, the Republican whip in the House and one of the more powerful Republicans in Washington DC, scream out, as he was shot, reportedly in the hip.
by Andrew Buncombe
