Expressions of support for House Majority Whip Steve Scalise came from all sides after the Louisiana congressman was wounded Wednesday in a shooting during practice for a charity baseball game.
President Donald Trump said, "Congressman Scalise is a friend, and a very good friend. He's a patriot and he's a fighter. He will recover from this assault. And, Steve, I want you to know that you have the prayers not only of the entire city behind you, but of an entire nation and, frankly, the entire world. America is praying for you and America is praying for all of the victims of this terrible shooting."
Rep. Cedric Richmond, who represents Louisiana's 1st Congressional District, tweeted he was "saddened" by the attack.
Rep. Garrett Graves of Louisiana's 6th Congressional District said he was thankful Scalise would recover.
New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, who called Scalise a "strong fighter" for the city, said, "We have to be clear: any attack on any public official is an attack on our very democracy, on all Americans and on our country."
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and state lawmakers held a prayer in the State Capitol rotunda. "This appears to be an outrageous, cowardly attack on one of our own," the governor said in a statement.
Lt. Governor Billy Nunguesser said, "This attack on our elected officials is an attack on our nation and each one of us, regardless of party. Let us all pray for a speedy recovery for everyone injured today and for peace throughout the world."
State Senator Karen Carter Peterson said on behalf of the Louisiana Democratic Party, "I am deeply saddened and troubled that anyone would inflict terror on public servants. Steve Scalise is my friend and former state legislative colleague. My heart goes out to him, the other victims involved, his family, and the brave law enforcement officers injured in this tragic incident."
House Speaker Paul Ryan condemned the shooting spree and said lawmakers are horrifed by the attack. He added lawmakers are united in shock and anguish. "An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us," added the Speaker. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called the shooting spree cowardly and said it is an "injury in the family."
“Steve is a good friend, and my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family,” said Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy. “Hating people because you disagree with them is wrong. It is un-Christian, it is un-American, and it has gotten worse. My thoughts right now are with Steve, his family, the aide who was shot, and the Capitol Police officers. It is just a bad day for America.”
Sen. Bill Cassidy also asked for and offered prayers for Scalise and those wounded.
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