UPDATE: Tyson employee injured by Illinois gunman

Gunman shot and killed

Alexandria, Va. Police and other first responders block East Monroe Ave. in Alexandria, Va., Wednesday, June 14, 2017, after a shooting involving House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of La, at a congressional baseball practice.
Alexandria, Va. Police and other first responders block East Monroe Ave. in Alexandria, Va., Wednesday, June 14, 2017, after a shooting involving House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of La, at a congressional baseball practice.

UPDATE

The Illinois gunman who attacked Republican lawmakers, aides and a Tyson employee also turned on police before he too was shot and later died.

The shooter was identified as James T. Hodgkinson, a 66-year-old home inspector from Illinois.

Matt Mika, director of government relations for Tyson Foods, was among the wounded. As of 2:24 p.m., his family reports he's in critical condition.

"We have confirmed that Matt Mika is among those who was shot this morning in Alexandria. He has been taken to a local hospital and we’re awaiting word on his condition," Tyson Foods said in a written statement.

House GOP Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana was shot in the hip and underwent surgery. Texas Rep. Roger Williams reports his aide, Zack Barth, was shot, but "is doing well and is expected to make a full recovery." Two Capitol Police officers were also injured but were expected to recover, along with a former congressional aide who was hospitalized.

Shortly after the shooting, Bernie Sanders, the former candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, said on the Senate floor that the shooter apparently was a volunteer for his campaign last year. Sanders said he denounced the violence "in the strongest possible terms."

10:28 a.m.

A Tyson employee was targeted by a gunman on a baseball diamond Wednesday morning. Matt Mika, director of government relations for Tyson Foods, is one of several injured by an Illinois gunman.

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Matt Mika, director-government relations for Tyson Foods Washington, D.C. office, is among those who was shot this morning in Alexandria.

None of the members of the Arkansas delegation were attending the baseball practice in Alexandria, Va., outside the capital. Two of the members, U.S. Reps. Steve Womack of Rogers and Rick Crawford of Jonesboro, have played in the annual congressional baseball game, but weren't slated to participate in this year's contest.

The event, which raises money for charity, was scheduled to take place Thursday at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

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The company said in a written statement, "Matt has worked for Tyson Foods for more than six years and we’re deeply concerned about him and his family."

Arkansas' congressional delegation weighed in on the shooting in statements on Twitter.

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman said he was not at the practice.

"My prayers are with [Scalise] and all of the others who were injured this morning," he wrote.

U.S. Rep. French Hill said he was at the White House when it happened.

"I am praying for my friend Steve Scalise and the other victims of this senseless attack," he said. "We should all be extremely grateful for Capitol Police this morning and the other first responders on the scene for their heroic work."

In their statements on Twitter, Crawford and Womack asked for prayers for the victims.

U.S. Sen. John Boozman also said he was praying for police and the victims.

"I'm horrified at the senseless act of violence at congressional baseball practice," he wrote.

Check back for updates and read Thursday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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