WASHINGTON (AP) — The congressman grievously wounded when a gunman opened fire at a Republican baseball practice delivered a Father's Day message through his Twitter account.
The message from Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise on Sunday says: "Steve's greatest joy is being a father to Madison and Harrison, and a husband to Jennifer. This Father's Day has special meaning for the Scalise Family, and they send their best wishes to every family, especially the dads. Take the time to be close to the ones you love."
The message thanks the many people for their prayers, support and outpouring of love. It includes photos of Scalise and his family.
House majority whip Scalise was upgraded from "critical" to "serious condition" Saturday and continued to show signs of improvement after he was wounded in a shooting at a Republican baseball practice outside Washington.
Medstar Washington Hospital Center released the update on behalf of the Scalise family. The congressman underwent another surgery Saturday, and the hospital said he was more responsive and speaking with family.
Scalise's trauma surgeon said Friday he can hope to make an "excellent recovery," even though the lawmaker arrived at the hospital Wednesday at imminent risk of death. Dr. Jack Sava of MedStar Washington Hospital Center said it's a "good possibility" that the Louisiana Republican will be able to return to work in his full capacity.
Scalise was one of five people shot when a gunman opened fire Wednesday as the Republican team practiced in Alexandria, Virginia. He has required surgery several times since the shooting.
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Jennifer Scalise, wife of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, made the following statement regarding Wednesday's shooting incident:
"On behalf of Steve and our children, I want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for the incredible amount of prayers and warm wishes we have received since Wednesday's events.
"We are especially appreciative of the strong outpouring of love and support from our neighbors, friends, from Louisiana and across the country, as well as from President Trump, Vice President Pence, and all of Steve's colleagues who have reached out to us during this most challenging time.
"Most importantly, we are forever grateful for the heroism of Special Agents Crystal Griner and David Bailey, who saved the lives of everyone at the baseball field that morning, including Steve's. Crystal and David have been family to us for years, and we ask that you continue to pray for their full recovery.
"I would also like to personally thank all of the first responders who bravely assisted at the scene, as well as the entire staff of MedStar Washington Hospital Center for their continued excellent care.
"Our family asks that you continue to pray for Steve, Matt Mika, Zach Barth, and all of those hurt in this attack, and keep them in your thoughts as they face recovery."
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OMAHA, NE (AP) — The LSU baseball team has named Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise an honorary coach for the College World Series, and he will be given the game ball from the Tigers' opening game against Florida State on Saturday night.
Scalise was upgraded from "critical" to "serious condition" Saturday and continued to show signs of improvement after he was wounded in a shooting at a baseball field outside Washington on Wednesday. Scalise, among five people shot, was practicing with the House Republican team for the charity game against Democrats at Nationals Park on Thursday.
After Alex Lange's first pitch to Florida State's Taylor Walls, the ball was taken out of play. It will be sent to Scalise.
According to Scalise's House website, he earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from LSU in 1989.
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Engel & Völkers New Orleans will be hosting a blood drive for Steve Scalise today, Monday, June 19, at its Metairie location, 722 Martin Behrman Ave., with the Blood Center of Louisiana from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
