News

Steve Scalise Has Been Re-Admitted To The Hospital

by Samantha Mendoza
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images

According to a statement from MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., Rep. Steve Scalise has been re-admitted to the ICU after being shot at a practice for the Congressional Baseball Game on June 14.

Although Scalise's condition had been upgraded to "fair" on June 21 following several surgeries, the hospital reported on Wednesday evening that his condition is now "listed as serious" due to new concerns for infection. The hospital is expected to provide another update about the congressman's condition on Thursday.

The 51-year-old Louisiana Republican congressman, who serves as House Majority Whip, was critically shot in the hip by a gunman who was reportedly targeting Republican lawmakers while they prepared for an annual charity baseball game in Alexandria, Virginia. Rep. Scalise, the most seriously injured victim of the attack, was admitted to the hospital in "imminent risk of death." The bullet had fractured his pelvis, which led to ruptured bones and injury to his internal organs.

Just a few weeks ago, when Scalise was transferred out of the ICU after multiple surgeries and blood transfusions, his recovery looked promising. The hospital stated on June 23 that Scalise was making "good progress" and "continu[ing] an extended period of healing and rehabilitation."

Tennessee Republican Rep. Phil Roe, a friend of Scalise's, told local ABC affiliate WJHL earlier this week that Scalise was finally getting out of bed and was "getting better," expressing hope that Scalise would be well enough to attend a Louisiana State vs. Tennessee football game with him in November.

Scalise was one of four people shot in a baseball field on the morning of June 14 when a lone gunman opened fire. Witnesses described the scene as "basically a killing field," and reported that Scalise was shot near second base before dragging himself approximately 15 yards into right field, leaving a trail of blood behind him. Members of Scalise's security detail reportedly engaged in gunfire exchange with the shooter, and were soon joined by the Alexandria Police Department. The shooter was killed in the shootout.

The incident led to calls for political unity from both sides of the aisle. "For all the noise and all the fury, we are one family," Speaker of the House Paul Ryan said after the shooting.

As the hospital provides updates on Scalise's health condition, both Republicans and Democrats will be sending positive thoughts and hoping that he has a full recovery.