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Colorado politicians react to shooting at congressional baseball practice

Posted at 7:24 AM, Jun 14, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-14 20:26:24-04

DENVER – Members of Colorado’s congressional delegation took to Twitter Wednesday morning to express condolences following a shooting at a GOP practice for an upcoming charity baseball game.

Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana was among several people shot at the baseball practice. There were reports of four others hurt. Police said a suspect was in custody.

MORE: Gunman opens fire on members of Congress at baseball practice

Representatives Jared Polis and Ed Perlmutter, both Democrats, are the only members of Congress from Colorado who are on the roster for the game. Their team was practicing at a separate facility in Washington, DC at the time of the shooting. They were immediately put on lockdown and Capitol security was on the scene within minutes.

Polis told Denver7 no Colorado Republicans were at the baseball field at the time.

Several of Colorado’s representatives and senators posted on Twitter that their colleagues were in their “thoughts and prayers.”

The members of Congress were practicing for the Congressional Baseball Game for Charity, which benefits the Boys and Girls Club and was scheduled to take place Thursday. Polis said the event usually raises hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, but he expressed doubts that it would go on as scheduled this year.

"In light of this, I wouldn't be surprised if it's canceled tomorrow," Polis said.

Rep. Diana DeGette also offered her thoughts to Scalise, staffers and Capitol Police:

“My heart goes out to Steve Scalise and all the others who experienced this horrific attack. I am keeping all the injured, along with their loved ones, in my thoughts.

“Members of Congress, our staff, and visitors to the U.S. Capitol place our safety in the hands of the Capitol Police every day, knowing how capable and professional these men and women are. As our thoughts turn to their injured colleagues, we also extend our deepest gratitude for the service of the entire force.”

More from Rep. Perlmutter:

"I was thinking this morning while riding my bike to baseball practice about how great this game is for charity and how normal it all feels. I never expected something like this to happen. I'm deeply saddened and praying for Rep. Scalise and the others who were shot."

More from Sen. Bennet, who praised the quick response of Capitol Police:

“This morning’s shooting is a reminder that we must never take for granted the heroism of the Capitol Police, who risk their lives every day to protect our nation’s Capitol. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those injured, and we hope for their speedy recovery.”