Despite a shooting on the practice the day before the game that left five people, including GOP House majority whip Steve Scalise, seriously injured, the Congressional Baseball Game went on as planned on Thursday and attracted a record turnout. In a recorded video message played at the ballgame, President Trump praised the game as a demonstration of America’s unity and resiliency.
The Congressional Baseball Game is an annual bipartisan game that has become one of Washington, D.C.’s most anticipated events. The charity event pits Congressional Republicans and Democrats on the ball field at the Nationals Park, home of D.C.’s much beloved Washington Nationals team.
On Wednesday, as several Republicans were practicing for the game in a ballpark in Alexandria, Virginia, a gunman opened fire on them and seriously wounded Republican Majority Whip Steve Scalise and several others. The lone game man, identified as James T. Hodgkinson from Illinois, was shot dead by the U.S. Capitol Police and Alexandria Police.
The politically-motivated shooting was widely condemned by bipartisan responses, and congressional leaders vowed to continue on with the game despite the attack. It was also announced that the charity game would also dedicate the funds raised to the victims of the shooting.
