Bernie Sanders condemned apparent supporter James T. Hodgkinson, who opened fire on a group of Republican politicians practicing for an upcoming charity baseball game early Wednesday morning.
“The alleged shooter at the Republican baseball practice this morning is someone who apparently volunteered on my presidential campaign,” Sanders said. “I am sickened by this despicable act.”
Sanders continued: “Let me be as clear as I can be. Violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society and I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms.”
The former presidential candidate said that “real change” can only come about from non-violent action.
“Anything else runs counter to our most deeply held American values,” Sanders said.
Authorities have identified the suspected shooter at the GOP Congressional baseball practice on Wednesday morning as James T. Hodgkinson, a 66-year-old from Belleville, Illinois. President Donald Trump addressed the attack, saying the assailant has died because of injuries suffered during the shooting.
Hodgkinson opened fire with a rifle, striking House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and several others early Wednesday morning in Alexandria, Virginia. He was shot by Capitol Hill police who were on hand as part of Scalise’s security detail.
Sanders also thanked the Capitol Hill police for their heroics in bringing down the shooter.
Scalise and several other GOP leaders and staff members were practicing for a bipartisan Congressional baseball game scheduled for Thursday evening. The lighthearted game is an annual tradition between the GOP and Democrats that raises money for local charities.
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