06.15.17

Gratitude, Prayers to the Victims of Yesterday’s Horrific Shooting

‘The events of yesterday were devastating, and we know it will take time to heal. But for now, the members of the Congressional Baseball team have made the decision to go forward with tonight’s game which will be played for charity. I know we’ll be thinking about each of them as they take the field tonight.’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the shooting that occurred yesterday at a practice for the Congressional charity baseball game in Alexandria, VA:

“This morning, the Senate continues to send its prayers to all the victims of yesterday’s horrific shooting. We know our House colleagues are all thinking about their colleague, Majority Whip Scalise, in particular. It’s been an immensely difficult 24 hours for all the victims, including Matt Mika — who remains in the ICU — Zack Barth, and of course Capitol Police officers Crystal Griner and David Bailey. Those officers didn’t back down when faced with this threat; instead, as the Capitol Police always do, they put themselves in harm’s way to help protect others. Without them, we know so many more could have been injured.

“We want to continue to express our gratitude to all those who courageously put their lives on the line to keep the Capitol community safe. In doing so, we are also reminded of the bravery of our colleagues on the field yesterday, those who stepped in to help friends who’d been injured as they waited for first responders to arrive. I think it says something about the character of these individuals.

“The events of yesterday were devastating, and we know it will take time to heal. But for now, the members of the Congressional Baseball team have made the decision to go forward with tonight’s game which will be played for charity. I know we’ll be thinking about each of them as they take the field tonight.”

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