A Capitol Police officer stands guard in front of the U.S. Capitol on June 14, 2017.(Photo: Mark Wilson, Getty Images)
WASHINGTON — Police beefed up security around the U.S. Capitol and House leaders canceled votes Wednesday in the wake of the early-morning shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., and four others at a Virginia baseball field.
"Out of an abundance of caution, the U.S. Capitol Police has deployed a robust police presence throughout the Capitol Complex," the police agency said in a statement. "However, all buildings within the Capitol Complex are open in accordance with routine operations."
Shortly before the House was scheduled to begin its 10 a.m. morning session, leaders announced that votes were being canceled for the day. Several committee hearings also were canceled or delayed, along with some previously scheduled press conferences.
House Democrats canceled a press conference that was to focus on their criticism of President Trump for his "ongoing failure to obtain the consent of Congress before accepting payments, benefits, or gifts from foreign states" in alleged violation of the Constitution's foreign emoluments clause.
One committee that did not cancel its activity for the day was the House Foreign Affairs panel, which went ahead with testimony from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson about his department's 2018 budget request.
Scalise is the third highest-ranking Republican in the House, which meant that he had Capitol Police officers providing him with security as GOP members gathered in Alexandria, Va., to practice for the annual congressional baseball game, which is a bipartisan charity fundraising event in which Republicans and Democrats play against one another. Two Capitol Hill police officers were reportedly shot at the scene.
Both Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala., and Sen. Rank Paul, R-Ky., said on CNN that it would have been "a massacre" if the Capitol Police had not been there.
The Capitol Police officers were there specifically because of Scalise. House and Senate leaders have the protection of Capitol Police officers on a constant basis. Rank-and-file members don't get that same level of protection unless there have been threats made against them or there is some other cause for concern. The Capitol Police are responsible for protecting people in all the office buildings that make up the Capitol Complex, not just the actual Capitol building. They also can travel with lawmakers to protect them when they are away from the Capitol Complex.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the officers' "bravery under fire undoubtedly saved countless lives."
"On days like today, there are no Democrats or Republicans, only Americans united in our hopes and prayers for the wounded," she said.
Senate leaders began their session Wednesday with prayers for Scalise, the Capitol Police officers who were wounded, and the other victims.
"I know the entire Senate will join me in echoing the sentiments of the president this morning," Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said on the Senate floor. "We are deeply saddened. We are concerned for all those injured. We will keep them in our prayers; we will continue to send them every wish for a quick and full recovery."
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he was "absolutely shaken" by news of the shooting.
"This morning is the most sobering reminder of how thankful we should be for the service of the Capitol Police force who put their lives on the line day in, day out for us to be safe," Schumer said. "I could not be more grateful that Capitol Police were there at a time to prevent this attack from being any worse than it was."
Gunman shoots Rep. Steve Scalise at congressional ball game practice
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A person is treated by emergency workers as members of the Republican congressional baseball team look on following a shooting in Alexandria, Va 14 June 14, 2017. The Republican House majority whip Steve Scalise and at least four others have been shot shot at a congressional baseball game practice session, according to media reports Shawn Thew, European Pressphoto Agency
U.S. Capitol Police stand guard outside of House of Representative Office Buildings after House Majority Whip Representative Steve Scalise and others were shot at by a gunman while playing baseball in Arlington , Va. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY
The baseball park where Congressional Republican baseball practice was the scene of a shooting in Alexandria, Va is now on lockdown. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
This is a screen grab from the Facebook page of James T. Hodgkinson. Hodgkinson who allegedly opened fire during a congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Va. Facebook
U.s. Capitol Police stand guard outside of House Majority Whip Representative Steve Scalise' office after he and other members of Congress were shot at by a gunman while playing baseball in Arlington, Va. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY
Staffers for U.S. Reps. drop by at the office of House Majority Whip Representative Steve Scalise to offer their condolences and gifts after he and other members of Congress were shot while playing baseball in Arlington, Va. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY
People stand near the scene of a shooting at the Republican Congressional baseball team practice in Alexandria, Va. Shawn Thew, European Pressphoto Agency
A vehicle is seen with bullet holes in it at the scene of a shooting near a baseball field in Alexandria, Va., June 14, 2017, where House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of La. was shot at a congressional baseball practice. Alex Brandon, AP
A Police officer tapes off the street near the scene of a shooting in Alexandria, Va. Michael Reynolds, European Pressphoto Agency
Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa and Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown talking to media near the baseball park where Congressional Republican baseball practice was the scene of a shooting in Alexandria, Va. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL 5th District) leaves the baseball park where Congressional Republican baseball practice was the scene of a shooting in Alexandria, Va. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL 5th District), is interviewed at the baseball park where Congressional Republican baseball practice was the scene of a shooting in Alexandria, Va. Michael Owens, USA TODAY
The scene following shooting at Congressional Republican baseball practice in Alexandria , Va. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
Emergency personnel are seen through a window with a bullet hole in Alexandria, Va. Joseph Miscavige, AP
Alexandria, Va. Police Chief Michael Brown, right, and others walk to speak to the media about the shooting in Alexandria, Va., Wednesday, June 14, 2017, where House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of La. was shot at a Congressional baseball practice. Alex Brandon, AP
Baseball equipment is seen scattered on the field where a shooting took place at the practice of the Republican congressional baseball team at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park in Alexandria, Va. The Republican House majority whip Steve Scalise and at least four others have been shot shot at a congressional baseball game practice session, according to media reports. Shawn Thew, European Pressphoto Agency
A man receives medical attention from first responders on the scene following a shooting in Alexandria, Va. A gunman opened fire on a Republican congressional team practice Wednesday and at least one congressman was wounded, authorities said. Multiple congressman at the scene said Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., was among those wounded. Police said a suspect was believed to be in custody. Michael Reynolds, European Pressphoto Agency
Investigators gather near the scene of a shooting in Alexandria, Va. Alex Wong, Getty Images
First responders on the scene following a shooting in Alexandria, Va. Shawn Thew, European Pressphoto Agency
First responders on the scene following a shooting in Alexandria, Va. Michael Reynolds, European Pressphoto Agency