Were targeted or assassination. Alabama congressman mo brooks was there and used his belt as a tourniquet to help the wounded lobbyist. Hes given some of the most riveting accounts of this mornings horror. Well, i was on the third base side of home plate getting ready to have batting practice and the first shots were pretty much past the third base dugout, maybe 10 or 15 feet, hard 0 ascertain for sure. Im looking is the at it from an angle. I heard the big bethlehem and i thought it was a car backfiring till i see the rifle barrel. A white male taking careful aim at congressman, staffers, whoever he could get ahold of. I spoke just moments ago with another republican congressman at the field who was leaving just before the shooting who says he is certain he saw the shooter. He said the shooter approached the car and asked weathered those were democrats or republican out there on the field practicing. Well bring that you interview with ron detan toes in a moment. I want to begin with shimon pro cue pez with new details. Tell us what we know about this gunman . Reporter we know his name. His name is james hodgkinson. Hes from belleville, illinois. Hes 66 years old. Police were able to learn his name fairly quickly. They believe they found a van or maybe another type of vehicle on the scene believed to belong to him. And from that, they were able to trace his identity. And since then, theyve learned quite a bit about him including an extensive social media presence, some antitrump postings. He was also pretty wellknown in illinois in belleville where he was part of some antigop groups were told. And john, just two days ago, according to a Law Enforcement official ive spoken to said that hodgkinson had posted an angry either tweet or something on facebook about donald trump. So all of this now obviously part of the investigation. It may go to intent or motive. Clearly with the fbi now leading this investigation, they believe that may play a role in this. So now, you know, their process is to go through a timeline trying to find out where hes been the last few days, where the alleged shooter has been in the last few days, who he was talking to, looking for more social media postings. Its not entirely clear if he was on anyones radar before this. But you know, just a general scrub of his social media, you can see some of his views, some of his what one Law Enforcement official said antitrump views. That is playing a large role in this investigation. And as they try to piece that together, shimon, do we know anything yet confirmed . You hear a lot of first reports not confirmed about the type of rifle used they try to trace this back together. How long has he been in the area . Do we know that yet . No, i just spoke to a Law Enforcement official who said this is something theyre still trying to determine. There are some media reports that his wife claims had he moved to alexandria recently or had been there in the last two months. Weigh havent been able to confirm that. Law enforcement is still trying to confirm that, as well. Thats part of what theyre doing to trace his moves to see where hes been, see who hes been talking to, where did he get the weapons from. That is all part of it. Weve been told it is some sort of long gun. Weve heard different descriptions of it. That still has not been confirmed. Appreciate that. Continue your reporting. Well come back to you as soon as new information comes to us. Cnn pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr will tell us the latest. Reporter john, we are about two blocks just over my hurled from the baseball field. Some of the Police Presence winding down a bit here now. But the investigation in full swing. They are continuing to gather evidence, interview wit anies. Weve had two beefings this morning here on site from Law Enforcement. They are making very clear they have a long way to go on this. They want to learn everything they can how the incident unfolded, the motivation of the gunman. The fbi now in charge, of course, because this is an attack on the u. S. Congress. This is a federal crime, of course. Some indication of security being ramped up in areas at federal sites across washington. Even though the inclination may be at the moment that this is a lone gunman, that there is not a broader plot. The fbi agent in charge making very clear they were not ready to rule anything out that it is very early on that they are investigating all avenues, lone shooter, terrorism, all of it. Theyre not closing off any avenue of investigation at this point as they continue to gather evidence. It was at 7 09 this morning the Alexandria Police chief tells us that the first 911 call aim in from the baseball field. Of Alexandria Police said they were able to respond in three minutes, able to back up the capitol Hill Security detail already at the baseball site. Five people transported to hospitals here. I just want to emphasize for people who may be watching, this is really a lovely, quiet neighborhood in suburban washington. Were about five, ten minutes south of the pentagoning in virginia across the potomac river. About 20 or 30 minutes perhaps south of capitol hill. This is a neighborhood where people at 7 00 in the morning are out walking their dogs, getting the kids ready for school. It is known that they practice here that they practice for the baseball game here. And people, neighborhood people were telling us you know, sometimes they come out and watch in the early morning. Its a very friendly neighborhood. I dont live very far from here. Ive already run into friends who live here this morning. Very much a neighborhood. Very much a place where people generally lived her for many years. And all of that, john, really adding to the shock this morning about what happened on these streets . Barbara starr, great perspective. Important to know so many great samaritans helping out in the response this morning as people scattered from the field offering them shelter and the like. Thank you. Lets get to brian todd right now at the hospital where victims are being treated. What can you tell us . Reporter john, i can tell you a short time ago, hospital fishes confirmed there are two victims from the shooting being treated here at medstar Washington Hospital center. One of them isps congressman Steve Scalise medevacd here on a helicopter landing on a helipad to my left. He is currently in surgery. His staff says he is in stable condition. A second victim from the shooting is being treated here, as well. Hospital officials not releasing that persons name or their condition at this time. We hope to get an update for you on that very soon. This hospital of course, known for treating trauma cases, emergency surgeries, shooting incidents, victims come here all the time from those shooting incidents. We have a helipad here easily accessible by medevac. That was the choice in this case. The congressmans staff said that he was in good spirits here before he went into surgery. And that he was able to talk to his wife on the phone. Interestingly enough, senator jeff flake, republican from arizona who was at the baseball field when the shooting occurred and gave some very vivid graphic accounts of what he saw, he said he was able to grab congressmans cell phone and call his wife to tell her what had happened so she wouldnt have to necessarily hear it on the news. Very riveting accounts from the members of congress and others at that ball field with congressman scalise. They said he was lying motionless on the field after he was hit in the hip and that it took some time to get him off but that they were able to get him off there. Also that if it wasnt for the presence of the two the u. S. Capitol Police Officers who were at the scene, that this could have been much, much worse. Theyre saying these two officers engaged the shooter and helped take him down and saved lives in the process, john. So a lot of gratitude being handed out to those two officers on the scene. Not clear if one of them is the second person being treated here or not. We hope to get that information for you soon. Brian todd, thanks for that information. Well keep in touch. As brian noted Steve Scalise is a feisty conservative member of congress, very colorful and funny. Shes the second baseman for the Republican Team. I talked with another infielder ron detap the toes and duncan. They left the field a few minutes before the shooting. Out in the parking lot, congressman detant santos says he was approached by a man they are now certain was the shooter. Listen. Sir, youre in your suit now. You were at practice this morning and you believe now based on what we know that you saw the shooter right before this happened. Right. I was actually at third base. Jeff duncan from south carolina, short. Steve was at second taking ground balls. Jeff and i looked at each other and said weve hit. Lets beat the traffic back to the hill. We left practice a little early, got in the jeffs one of his aides cars. I was in the back seat. A gentleman walked up to us and wanted to know whether there were republicans or democrats practicing out there. Congressman duncan said that it was republicans. And he immediately turned around and went towards the field. It was a little weird because you know, no ones really out there at that time. But we just kind drove back. Once we got to the hill, we got word that there was a shooting, immediately jeff and i looked at each other and we said weve got to report this individual. We reported him the best description we could get. Since hes been identified, the picture on the individuals twitter page matches the individual who approached our vehicle probably about ten minutes before the shooting started. You have no doubt about that. Im very sure. Like its the type of thing where i probably saw him for ten seconds. Having seen someone for ten seconds i think im assure as i could be. You communicated with congressman duncan who shares your view. He thinks its him too yeah. Obviously there will be a lot of conversation about potential political motivation. Can you think exactly what you heard him say . Was it just a simple question . Are those republicans or democrats . Did it have any bias to it. It had i think a little bias, not enough that i thought he would go commit acts of violence. It was a little abrasive. I thought to myself, i was like thats strange but it was strange enough that as soon as the news hit, jeff and i both had the same thought. You were in the back seat of a car at the time. I was in the back seat. Could you see at that moment, was he carrying anything a rifle or anything. I saw him from cleft up. I was in the back seat. I couldnt see below his chest. So i cant say that he did or didnt have that. Obviously, whip khalis had his security detail there because of his position in the leadership. Hindsight is often 2020 and often judgmental. Was that enough security there . Should members of congress be out in a public setting like that . Its a crazy question to ask. Anybody should be able to practice baseball. Heres the thing. Paul ryan say he told stevi need you, i got something. There would have been no security out there. The only reason there was security is because steve rates it as a member of the leadership. They usually stage behind the First Base Dugout and have the suv. They usually stand outside the vehicle. You know theyre armed and security. The shooter was obviously on the other side of the diamond but had steve not been there, i think you would have seen many more injured and probably many killed. It would have been a really gruesome day. Having the Capitol Police there saved hives today. No question about that. Take me back into the parking lot. Describe again in every detail you can recall the gentleman who asked that question. I got into the car first. Im in the back seat. Jeff duncan is walking into the front passenger seat. His aide is driving the car. As jeffs getting in, theres an individual thats kind of approaching our general direction. I wasnt sure he was approaching our car. Then did he come to the car and then asked the question are those republicans or democrats out there. Not really a friendly guy, not nice. Jeff said they were republicans. Then he immediately kind of clicked and he turned around. Again, i thought it was a little weird but not at the weird level where this guys a security risk. But in the picture, it does it matches the type of guy. I thought it was probably late 50s, early 60s. They reported hes 66. That probably fits pretty good. What did he look like . He was like late 50s, early 60s. He had kind of like darker hair with maybe some gray in it. I think he had some facial hair, as well. And he just he was dressed kind of not nicely dressed at all but not like he was wearing rags. The type of guy if you were talking down the street, there were 30 other people you probably wouldnt pick him out. He asked one question and turned around and walked away . Thats right. How did it feel to get back and realize you walked off this field five, ten minutes before it happened. I dont think it still hit me. We went to the gym to shower. And i see on the screen on the tv representative scalise shot. And im thinking to myself had, we left five, ten minutes before this. It was just so crazy. And obviously, the initial thing is i hope steve is okay. And steve incidentally, i mean, he loves this baseball game. Weve raised 6350,000. Steve is always wear a nice uniform. I havent been playing lately because ive been banged up. Hes like we need you out there. Im playing this year. Every time on the house floor, he says youre awesome. Ill be there if they do play. It will be sad if steves not there given how much it meant to him. We learned just moments ago, congresswoman martha telling it republican colleagues they will play that Charity BaseballGame Tomorrow Night at nationals game. The house floor is beginning. Lets take you there live. Let us pray. Almighty god, on a day when violence has come to this assembly, we ask your blessing on our brother, representative Steve Scalise. The two officers and the staffer who have been shot. Bless the hands of those who tend to their injuries. We as americans are blessed by a free and open society with rights secured by law and the constitution. But once again, we are reminded that there is a vulnerability that comes with that openness. May we all be vigilant in being good citizens neighbors, and defenders of our way of life at a time when so many challenges to our way of life and government seem under siege. We thank you for the men and women who respond to the crises that befall us especially the Capitol Police and all First Responders. May their heroism and generosity of spirit be an inspiration to us all and may they be assured of our appreciation of their service. And in this great silence as we are gathered most dramatically as this assembly, the peoples house. May republicans and democrats be mindful of the rare companionship they share. Men and women who have taken very public responsibility for our country that carries so many burdens and today, the reminder shared danger. May this day be characterized by kindness, good will, and compassion one 0 another. God bless america. And may all that is done this day be for your greater honor and glory, amen. Amen. The chairs examined the journal of the last days proceedings and an announces its approval thereof. Pursuant to rule one, the journal stands approved. The chair will lead the house in the pledge of allegiance and invites members of the gallery to join. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. For purposes does the gentleman from wisconsin seek recognition. I ask to address the house for one bhint. Gentleman is recognized. My colleagues, there are very strong emotions throughout this house today. We are all horrified by this dreadful attack on our friends and on our colleagues and those who be and protect this capitol. We are all praying for those who were attacked and for their families. Steve scalise, zachary barth, matt mike ca, special agent david bailey, special agent crystal griner. We are all giving our thoughts to those currently being treated for their injuries at this moment. And we are united. We are united in our shock, we are united in our anguish and an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. I know we want to give our thanks to the First Responders and to the Alexandria Police department who were on the scene in minutes. And i know this house wants to state unequivocally that we are as ever awed by the tremendous bravery of the Capitol Police. I spoke with special agent bailey and special agent griner this morning. One was being treated and one was about to go to surgery. I expressed our profound gratitude to them. It is clear to me, based on various eyewitness accounts, that without these two heroes, agent bailey and agent griner, many lives would have been lost. I know that we all want to learn as much as we can about what happened. We just all received a briefing from the sergeant of arms. I have complete confidence in the investigation thats being conducted by the Capitol Police, the fbi who are also working with local Law Enforcement. I know we want to extend our gratitude for the outpouring of support that weve received from throughout the capitol and from throughout the country. And now, knowing Steve Scalise as we all do, he is likely really frustrated that hes not going to be able to play in the baseball game. I also know that steve wants all of us to commend the bravery of those who came to the aid of the wounded. In the coming days, we will hear their stories and we will have the chance to hold up their heroism. My colleagues, there are so many memories from this day that we will want to forget. And there are so many images that we will not want to see again. But there is one image in particular that this house should keep. And that is a photo i saw this morning of our democratic colleagues gathered in prayer this morning after hearing the news. You know, every day we come here to test and to challenge each other. We feel so deeply about the things that we fi