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Reps. Evans and Fitzpatrick Urged Bipartisan Showing at Congressional Baseball Game

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Congressmen Dwight Evans (D-PA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) issued a joint statement encouraging members of both parties to come together after the shooting on an Alexandria, Virginia, baseball field that left five people injured, including Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), the Republican majority whip, who remains in critical condition. At the time, Republican members of Congress were practicing for the Congressional Baseball Game. The shooter, who had professed disdain for Republicans, was killed during an exchange of gunfire. Here is the statement released on the day of the shooting by Evans and Fitzpatrick:

We are shocked and saddened by this morning’s senseless act of violence against our congressional colleagues, staffers and Capitol Police. At times like this, Americans must know that regardless of party affiliation or political ideology, we stand united in love of country and commitment to service. We are thankful that tomorrow’s Congressional Baseball Game will be played despite today’s events and believe it can serve as a spotlight on this unity. We are urging our colleagues to join us in attending and sitting with a member from the other side of the aisle. Likewise, we encourage the president to attend. Together we will send a message that despite our differences, we stand united. Then, once the final out is recorded, we urge all lawmakers to set aside the red and blue jerseys, and return to our duties with a renewed belief in ourselves and each other, to come together in governance and work for their American people.

Played as scheduled, the game began with the first pitch being thrown out by one of the Capitol Police officers who had been wounded the day before during the Alexandria shooting. The game ended in a gesture of unity and goodwill, with the prevailing team, the Democrats, giving their trophy to the Republicans for Rep. Scalese.

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