Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today issued the following statement on the shooting this morning at the Congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia:
“I am praying for the recovery of Representative Steve Scalise, the staff, and the Capitol Police who were wounded at the horrific scene this morning. God bless the police and first responders for their bravery and for taking quick action to ensure that this tragedy wasn’t worse. Our first responders put their lives on the line for us every day. They are true heroes, and in this moment of darkness, they once again displayed what is best about our country.
“I hope the outcome of this tragedy will be unity, where we put our partisan differences aside and recognize that we are all here for a common purpose. An attack on any public servant is an attack on all. As members of Congress, we are not Democrats and Republicans today; we are simply public servants.
“It is also essential that we do not allow this attack to make us cower in fear. We cannot and must not retreat from doing what we are here to do – serve the public by being among our constituents and our colleagues. I look forward to playing once again in the Congressional women’s softball game next week, this time with a heavy heart and renewed purpose.”