GA congressman on field during baseball park shooting

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Georgia Congressman Barry Loudermilk was among the people gathered at a congressional baseball practice Wednesday morning when a rifle-wielding gunman opened fire and shot House Majority Whip Steve Scalise. Several other people were also believed to have been hit, according to a lawmaker who witnessed the shooting.

"I was waiting to step up to bat, that is when I heard the first shot," said Congressman Barry Loudermilk. "I was running from home plate, several people were diving into the dugout."

The shooting happened at Simpson Park in Alexandria, Virginia, where lawmakers and others were practicing for the Congressional Baseball Game, which is scheduled for Thursday at Nationals Park.

According to FOXNews.com, Scalise, of Louisiana, and several others, including two law enforcement officers, were rushed to the hospital following the shooting. Scalise is in critical condition at George Washington University Hospital.

Loudermilk said his good friend, Matt Mika was one of the men shot. Loudermilk said every time he tried to help his friend, the gunman would fire shots.

"He was targeting us, there were civilians in the park, a lady about 30 yards to my left with some dogs laying on the ground, he had a clear shot at her and never took one shot," said Rep. Loudermilk.

"This was a senseless act of evil," Loudermilk said. "Please pray for those who were shot and their families." 

Authorities said the gunman was shot by U.S. Capitol Police, apprehended, taken to the hospital and later died. 

Loudermilk praised the officers for their heroic acts.

"If it wasn't for them it would have been a killing field out there today," said Rep. Loudermilk.  "We are very blessed that God was on that baseball field today."

MORE: House Majority Whip Steve Scalise shot during congressional baseball practice