Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick in Philadelphia.
Credit: Petty Officer 1st Class Seth Johnson/ Coast Guard
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick released a joint statement with Congressman Dwight Evans after the tragic shooting against Republican lawmakers on Wednesday in Virginia.
“We are shocked and saddened by this morning’s senseless act of violence against our congressional colleagues, staffers and Capitol Police. At times like this, Americans must know that regardless of party affiliation or political ideology, we stand united in love of country and commitment to service,” read the statement from the Republican and Democratic congressmen.
The Congressional Baseball Game, despite Wednesday’s shooting, is expected to go as planned at Nationals Park on Thursday evening after politicians from both sides of the aisle have called for unity.
According to aggregated reports, Majority Whip House Republican Rep. Steve Scalise was hospitalized Wednesday and in critical condition after suffering a single shot to the hip during practice for the congressional baseball game in Alexandria, Virginia. The shooter, James Hodgkinson, 66, of Illinois, shot four people in total with two others suffering secondary injuries. Hodgkinson, a reported Bernie Sanders supporter, died following the incident in a shootout with police.
As previously reported by LevittownNow.com, neither Fitzpatrick or his staff were in attendance of the practice on Wednesday.
“We are thankful that [Thursday’s] Congressional Baseball Game will be played despite today’s events and believe it can serve as a spotlight on this unity. We are urging our colleagues to join us in attending and sitting with a member from the other side of the aisle. Likewise, we encourage the president to attend. Together we will send a message that, despite our differences, we stand united. Then, once the final out is recorded, we urge all lawmakers to set aside the red and blue jerseys, and return to our duties with a renewed belief in ourselves and each other, to come together in governance and work for their American people.”
