June 14, 2017

U.S. Rep. Costello: Shooting of congressman 'hits home like nothing really ever has'

By Daniel Craig
PhillyVoice Staff

Ryan Costello/Facebook

U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello

U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, a teammate of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, who was shot at a congressional baseball practice Wednesday morning, said the incident "hits home like nothing really ever has."

In an interview with the "Today" show, Costello, a Republican who represents Berks and Montgomery counties, noted that for the GOP team, he plays shortstop and Scalise plays second base.

"I'm speechless," Costello said.

WATCH: "I play shortstop. Steve plays second. It just hits home like nothing really ever has." Congressman Costello tells @kasie pic.twitter.com/tVnGc57b2e
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) June 14, 2017

Costello was reportedly supposed to be at the practice in Alexandria, Virginia, but missed his ride to the field by a couple of minutes.

Scalise was taken to the hospital and is in critical condition after surgery. Several other people are also believed to have been hit, a lawmaker told The Associated Press.

Capitol Police returned fire and wounded the shooter, who died later of his injuries at a local hospital.

U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan, a Republican who represents parts of the Philadelphia suburbs, is also a member of the team but reportedly was not at the practice.

My thoughts and prayers are with my colleagues, the staffers and the U.S. Capitol Police officers involved in this morning's shooting.
— Patrick Meehan (@RepMeehan) June 14, 2017

Two Pennsylvania Democrats, Brendan Boyle and Mike Doyle, also play for their party's congressional baseball team, but Democrats practice at another field, according to Morning Call reporter Laura Olson.

I'm very saddened to hear Steve Scalise was shot. Thinking and praying for him. https://t.co/daZKqVaZ4N
— US Rep Brendan Boyle (@RepBrendanBoyle) June 14, 2017

Both of Pennsylvania's U.S. senators said they were praying for the victims of the shooting.