Gunman attacks congressman (weapon, gun, assault, news)

[Kibby]

The Congressmen were lucky - Steve Scalise had a security detail of Capitol Hill Police because he in a leadership position as Majority Whip. 2 of the Capitol Hill police were shot - it took them a few minutes to get to the area where the shooting was.

I would guess it was not really common knowledge to know where the Republicans practiced in the mornings.

[ATX Wahine]

Senator Flake from Arizona said "he had a LOT of ammo".

This man came to kill.

[Wayland Woman]

Originally Posted by moneill

The guy had security with him -- was he threatened before?

He gets security because of the position he holds. Totally routine.

[middle-aged mom]

Originally Posted by Roboteer

Scalise is the Majority Whip in the House. It's his job to pull Republicans into line and get enough for a majority vote (there's no filibustering in the House).

But it's just impossible that that is the reason for him being shot.

So, why WAS Scalise shot???

Nothing makes any sense. Yet, it HAPPENED.

More likely he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Early reports say the shooter was unaware if it was a Republican or Democrat practice and made an inquiry.

Had House leadership not been present, there would not have been Police present. Rand Paul said it would have been a massacre.

Capital Police Officers were shot, too.

[Mellowmike]

Originally Posted by Nor Cal Wahine

Senator Flake from Arizona said "he had a LOT of ammo".

This man came to kill.

But with a magazine that only holds 10 rounds, wouldn't they be able to take him out while he's reloading?
Oh wait, never mind.

[PedroMartinez]

Originally Posted by Mellowmike

I wonder as to how the shooter was able to fire off 50 or 60 shots prior to being taken down?

He was in a fixed position with a rifle while most other people were in a field.

Rand Paul said the two security members who got the shooter were hit.

Like I said earlier, that was brave.

[Kibby]

Rifle and a pistol ..... the shooter came prepared, fortunately he wasn't a very good shot.

[tb4000]

It's also the fact that this dude was able to get close enough to elected officials to do it.

[uggabugga]

Originally Posted by Kibby

Rifle and a pistol ..... the shooter came prepared, fortunately he wasn't a very good shot.

apparently he went to the pistol just before he was shot. yeah, good thing he was a pray&spray marksman.

[middle-aged mom]

Originally Posted by DRob4JC

Congressman Mo Brooks is giving a remarkable eyewitness interview on CNN.

Of the shooter he said:

I don’t know if he was killed but I tell you I don’t have any kind thoughts about the shooter so let’s leave it at that.

He appeared to be a white male. But bear in mind I saw him for just a second or two, a fraction of a second.

If I had to guess, middle aged … he wasn’t skinny, but he did not appear to be obese either.

Describing the situation, Brooks said:

You’re pretty helpless. It’s not a good situation to be in. I don’t know what took our security detail as long as it took them to start exchanging fire … It seemed like a long time but it might have been seconds … They exhibited tremendous bravery.

I got a glimpse of the shooter which meant he also could see me if he looked in my direction. At that point I ran around home plate.

There were probably 10, 20, 30 shots fired while two or three of us were seeking cover.

At least five people were hit with bullets.

Rand Paul said he did not react to the first shot given he grew up in the South and it was common. His recollection is 50-60 shots. Eyewitness accounts are often contradictory.