# Multiple gunshots in Alexandria Virginia at the Congressional Baseball Practice. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 14, 2017, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930 "2017-06-14T12:05:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Tzigone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Tzigone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tzigone)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/41 "2017-06-14T15:00:02Z")
[CBS reporting a name](https://twitter.com/CBSNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor). Someone said Facebook page said Bernie supporter. Not surprising (we all expected it was likely politically motivated). Expect political discourse to get even worse. Still need to confirm same guy, though. Unless news did that while I wasn’t looking. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/42 "2017-06-14T15:03:44Z")
I woke up expecting to read terrible things about the Grenfell Tower fire and found this at the top of the AP feed. It would be nice if the senseless tragedies could space themselves out a bit; give us all a chance to breathe now and then, ya know what I’m sayin’? > [@BobLibDem](#): > > Any word on how far away the shooter was from the targets? Doesn’t seem like he was that accurate. [The AP story says: > [@](#): > > The shooting occurred at a popular park and baseball complex in Alexandria, Virginia, where lawmakers and others were gathered for a morning practice about 7 a.m. The team was taking batting practice when a gunshot rang out and chaos erupted, lawmakers on the scene said. > > “All of a sudden we heard a very loud shot. **The gunman was over by the third base dugout with a clear view of the field** ,” Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., told CNN. > > Scalise was fielding balls on second base when he was shot, Flake said. He said the congressman dragged himself 10 to 15 yards into the outfield to get further away from the gunman. > > Initial reports said that as many as 50 shots had been fired, but Flake said, “50 would be an understatement. He had a lot of ammo.” ]([http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US\_CONGRESSMAN\_SHOT?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2017-06-14-10-08-43](http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CONGRESSMAN_SHOT?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2017-06-14-10-08-43))(bolding mine) ---
**Author:** ![skdo23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@skdo23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skdo23)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/43 "2017-06-14T15:07:13Z")
> [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](#): > > I heard the shooter asked if they were republicans or democrats before he began shooting. > > So he was actually after republicans. That’s surprising to me. They got what they voted for. Glad it was them, and not a bunch of first graders who Steve Scalise wants to take health care away from. ---
**Author:** ![oft\_wears\_hats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/7993a0/32.png) [@oft\_wears\_hats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oft_wears_hats)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/44 "2017-06-14T15:08:38Z")
I’m glad that law enforcement was able to neutralize the shooter relatively quickly. I hope everyone has a full recovery and that the shooter goes away for a long time. I don’t care what side you’re on, you don’t make your point with a gun. It saddens me that this is probably going to continue the feedback loop of polarization. ---
**Author:** ![oft\_wears\_hats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/7993a0/32.png) [@oft\_wears\_hats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oft_wears_hats)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/45 "2017-06-14T15:10:47Z")
> [@skdo23](#): > > They got what they voted for. Glad it was them, and not a bunch of first graders who Steve Scalise wants to take health care away from. I’m no fan of the GOP right now, but “they got what they deserved” sounds like the sort of thing that Trump would think if the victims were Democrats. It’s not a good look on anyone. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/46 "2017-06-14T15:14:43Z")
> [@](#): > > Quoth **Tranquilis** : > > Also: At least a couple Congressmen covered themselves in glory for rendering aid to the wounded, including one that is a mil-vet trauma surgeon. > [@](#): > > Brad Wenstrup and Mo Brooks. I’m not particularly aware of Wenstrup or Brooks, and I’m pretty sure I disagree strongly with their politics. But in this, at least, they did the right thing, and should be applauded for it. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/47 "2017-06-14T15:15:40Z")
> [@oft\_wears\_hats](#): > > I don’t care what side you’re on, you don’t make your point with a gun. Agreed; but until I learn more, I’m not even going to assume he was trying to make a point. Maybe he just wanted to impress Jodie Foster. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/48 "2017-06-14T15:15:47Z")
> [@skdo23](#): > > They got what they voted for. Glad it was them, and not a bunch of first graders who Steve Scalise wants to take health care away from. This is an official warning. Do not derail threads with political jabs. As per the sticky at the top of the page this rule is specifically moderated in breaking news threads. Do not continue. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Bredin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/96bed5/32.png) [@John\_Bredin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Bredin)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/49 "2017-06-14T15:16:51Z")
> [@Tranquilis](#): > > The DNC team practices at an (so far) unnamed university field iunside teh beltway. Gallaudet University, as stated on either ABC or NBC (I was flipping between the two) before I left home about 8am Central. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/50 "2017-06-14T15:17:14Z")
> [@oft\_wears\_hats](#): > > I’m no fan of the GOP right now, but “they got what they deserved” sounds like the sort of thing that Trump would think if the victims were Democrats. It’s not a good look on anyone. Please report violations rather than continue the derailment. ---
**Author:** ![Tatterdemalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/43a26b/32.png) [@Tatterdemalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tatterdemalion)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/51 "2017-06-14T15:22:20Z")
Not to make light of a serious situation, and with all due respect to the OP, but I did not expect that. ---
**Author:** ![skdo23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@skdo23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skdo23)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/52 "2017-06-14T15:23:22Z")
> [@oft\_wears\_hats](#): > > I’m no fan of the GOP right now, but “they got what they deserved” sounds like the sort of thing that Trump would think if the victims were Democrats. It’s not a good look on anyone. Not only are the odds of one of my loved ones getting shot theoretically higher because of Rep. Scalise, but he has also spent the last few months spearheading an effort that would make it harder for them to get the treatment that they would need afterwards. I feel zero guilt for being happy that this happened. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/53 "2017-06-14T15:23:56Z")
[Shooter named](https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2017/live-updates/public-safety/updates-shooting-at-congressional-baseball-practice-in-virginia/shooter-named-as-james-t-hodgkinson/?utm_term=.92e19c529fe7) [Less reliable source said shooter wanted to destroy “Trump and Co.”](http://www.thesmokinggun.com/buster/james-t-hodgkinson/congressional-baseball-shooter-729035) ---
**Author:** ![oft\_wears\_hats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/7993a0/32.png) [@oft\_wears\_hats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oft_wears_hats)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/54 "2017-06-14T15:27:09Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > Please report violations rather than continue the derailment. Sorry about that. I don’t usually post in MPSIMS and was unaware of that rule. I’ll go read the sticky like I should have in the first place. ---
**Author:** ![Dale\_Sams](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/779978/32.png) [@Dale\_Sams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dale_Sams)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/55 "2017-06-14T15:27:17Z")
> [@ivylass](#): > > [Shooter named](https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2017/live-updates/public-safety/updates-shooting-at-congressional-baseball-practice-in-virginia/shooter-named-as-james-t-hodgkinson/?utm_term=.92e19c529fe7) > > [Less reliable source said shooter wanted to destroy “Trump and Co.”](http://www.thesmokinggun.com/buster/james-t-hodgkinson/congressional-baseball-shooter-729035) Man, that’s two Bernie supporters doing crazy shit recently (and will the left call this a ‘terrorist attack’ like in Portland??). Btw…I’d have voted for Bernie myself if he were on the ballot. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/56 "2017-06-14T15:29:46Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > I really can’t imagine them going ahead with the game tomorrow. Perhaps at a later date, but no one is going to play tomorrow. Please. One of the people at the field this morning is already calling for the game to go forward as planned. I can readily imagine them going ahead with the charity game. ---
**Author:** ![Tzigone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Tzigone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tzigone)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/57 "2017-06-14T15:30:38Z")
> [@](#): > > Man, that’s two Bernie supporters doing crazy shit recently (and will the left call this a ‘terrorist attack’ like in Portland??). I’m likely to. Does depend on whether shooter had previously recorded mental problems, but nothing of the sort has been reported right now and all indications were that he was at least functioning. Certainly in the colloquial sense it qualifies. Definitely. > [@](#): > > Btw…I’d have voted for Bernie myself if he were on the ballot. Me too. I had some problems with him (and Clinton), but I’d have voted for him over a generic Republican and definitely over Trump. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/58 "2017-06-14T15:31:49Z")
One of the men who was asked about the party of the players was just on MSNBC. He said that he’s been shown a picture of the shooter and it looked like the same man to him. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/59 "2017-06-14T15:34:46Z")
I am curious as to why our legislators have baseball teams. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2017, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930/60 "2017-06-14T15:36:18Z")
> [@Dale\_Sams](#): > > Man, that’s two Bernie supporters doing crazy shit recently (and will the left call this a ‘terrorist attack’ like in Portland??). > > Btw…I’d have voted for Bernie myself if he were on the ballot. I’ll call it that if it turns out to be political, and it’s looking like it probably was. And I also would have voted for Bernie. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-gunshots-in-alexandria-virginia-at-the-congressional-baseball-practice/788930.md?page=4)