Trump Calls Steve Scalise a True Friend and a Patriot!
When a tragedy strikes, like it did with the shooting or targeted attack on Wednesday of GOP individuals at a baseball practice, we expect leaders to demonstrate leadership and unite Americans. That’s exactly how President Trump reacted.
President Trump didn’t blame guns and he also didn’t blame a liberal or Democrat supporter of Bernie Sanders. The President came out and addressed the American people with dignity and respect. He praised the Capitol police and first responders for their support. He also asked for Americans to pray for those injured.
What a difference one presidency makes!
When word was spreading about Wednesday’s shooting of several individuals at a Republican baseball practice by a deranged leftist, President Donald Trump showed the world exactly how a president should react — and it was completely unlike how Barack Obama did.
After the shooting took place early in the morning in Alexandria, the President began by issuing a statement about the incident.
“The Vice President and I are aware of the shooting incident in Virginia and are monitoring developments closely,” Trump said, according to The Washington Post.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the members of Congress, their staffs, Capitol Police, first responders, and all others affected.”
He then took to Twitter for further updates.
“Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with him,” the president said in a tweet.
Later in the day, Trump tweeted after visiting the hospital:
“Just left hospital. Rep. Steve Scalise, one of the truly great people, is in very tough shape – but he is a real fighter. Pray for Steve!” the tweet read.
According to Fox News, Scalise is still in critical condition at the MedStar Washington Hospital and will require further surgery.
“The bullet traveled across his pelvis, fracturing bones, injuring internal organs, and causing severe bleeding,” a statement from the hospital read. “He underwent immediate surgery, and an additional procedure to stop bleeding. He has received multiple units of blood transfusion.”
Note the tone of Trump’s comments. Even though the assailant was clearly motivated by his political animus toward Republicans, there was no attempt to politicize Wednesday’s shooting in the immediate aftermath. Just a call to pray for Scalise and stating his friendship with the House Majority Whip.
By contrast, Obama’s reaction to a high-profile shooting was reflexively political, whether the gunmen were lone wolf crazies like at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, an Islamic terrorist like the Orlando nightclub killer last June or a Black Lives Matter radical like the one who assassinated five Dallas police officers in July.
How Trump reacted Wednesday is exactly what a president should do — and something we haven’t seen for a while.
House Majority Whip, Scalise was treated at a Washington hospital Wednesday after a single rifle shot struck his hip during a shooting attack at a GOP congressional baseball practice in suburban Virginia. His doctors indicated Scalise suffered internal wounds and fractured bones, and was due for additional surgery.
Along with Rep. Scalise who is recovering, here are additionals updates on those others that were injured as well.
Matt Mika – lobbyist for Tyson Foods; still in ICU in critical condition; Mika was “shot multiple times in his chest and arm and suffered massive trauma” and now “requires assistance to breathe and will need additional surgeries.”
Officer Crystal Griner – was shot in the ankle; listed in good condition.
Staffer Zach Barth – a legislative correspondent for Austin Congressman Roger Williams, was shot in the calf; released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
Congressman Roger Williams – injured his leg and ankle diving to safety; treated and released from the hospital.
Capitol Police Officer – David Bailey – minor injury; treated and released.
Our hearts and prayers are especially with Rep. Steve Scalise, House Majority Whip and all those involved in the attack, as we pray for their health and recovery.
Thank you, President Trump for showing true leadership during this difficult time for Americans.