Texas, local officials react to shooting that injured congressman, several others

SAN ANTONIO – Reaction is pouring in after the shooting that injured Republican Congressman Steve Scalise and several others in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

LATEST UPDATES ON VIRGINIA SHOOTING HERE.

RELATED: Texas congressman identifies member of staff who was shot in Virginia

President Donald Trump said the alleged gunman had been killed. Federal law enforcement sources identified the shooter as James Hodgkinson, 66, of Belleville, Illinois. At least five people including Scalise were hospitalized.

Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) issued the following the statement in regards to the shooting:

“Like the previous shootings in San Antonio outside of police headquarters of Detective Benjamin Marconi, in Tucson of my colleague Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, and in Orlando of all those lost a year ago at Pulse, this is an appalling act. For now our prayers are for a speedy recovery for Congressman Scalise, Congressman Williams’ staffer Zack Barth, and our Capitol Police officers. And I am especially thankful that our other colleagues and staff at the ballpark are safe. I am about to attend a classified security briefing to obtain more facts.”

Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) issued the following statement in regards to the shooting:

"My prayers are with Congressman Scalise, the injured Capitol Police officers, Congressman Williams' injured staff member, and all of their loved ones after this morning's terrible attack. All Americans can agree that this sort of violence is condemnable. Every day, I am grateful to the Capitol Police who keep Congress members, staff, and visitors to Capitol Hill safe. Their heroism today saved lives."

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's statement on shooting:

AUSTIN - Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following Wednesday morning's shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana, UT graduate, Zack Barth who serves as a legislative aide for U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, and two U.S. Capitol Police officers, Krystal Griner and David Bailey:

"My prayers are with the victims and their loved ones who where injured in today's attack at a congressional baseball practice. This hatred and violence has no place in America -- it flies in the face of the very democracy our nation is rooted in. I am thankful that the shooter was apprehended by law enforcement quickly, and his deadly intentions were not fully realized."

Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on shooting:

“The cowardly and despicable attack that took place this morning targeting members of Congress at a Congressional baseball practice is a sober reminder of the rampant gun violence plaguing America. I offer my prayers to all those injured today including Congressman Steve Scalise, his staff members and the brave members of the U.S Capitol Police and other law enforcement whose rapid response to the gunfire saved lives.

“We don’t yet know all of the facts surrounding what happened, but the acts of today bring to light the necessity for enhanced security for members of Congress.  This is a very important time to address the seeming anger of so many Americans with a spirit of caring and action for the basic needs. We have to heal this nation.”

Texas Rep. Lamar Smith released the following statement:

"Congressman Steve Scalise; staffer, Zachary Barth; former staffer, Matt Mika; and Special Agents David Bailey and Crystal Griner are in our thoughts and prayers following this horrible tragedy at a practice this morning for the annual Congressional Baseball Game for charity.

We are grateful to the special agents and area law enforcement officers for their quick response that saved many lives today.

This tragedy should remind us of the need for less partisanship and hostility. Instead, we should focus more on solutions for the problems facing Americans."

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement:

All of us who work on Capitol Hill, all of our visitors who come here, and constituents from around the country are in their debt because they literally do keep us safe and secure here on Capitol Hill.

It's safe to say that without the Capitol Police being present… that the results of this might have been much more serious, much more tragic than they already were.

While there is a lot we don't know about this morning's incident, it's clear that this is a new environment we're living in, and we need to do everything we can to keep our constituents safe when they visit us here on Capitol Hill, as well as all the staff and everybody involved.