One of Wisconsin's members of Congress believes the security required to protect Rep. Steve Scalise at a baseball field in Virginia may have been a key to stopping more bloodshed had others been the target instead of him.
Rep. Steve Scalise is expected to survive his injuries.
"Steve Scalise is the (majority) whip, a very important position, so he had security detail with him. If he was not there, it could have been much worse," Glenn Grothman, a fellow Republican who represents a large area of Southeastern Wisconsin, told 620 WTMJ's Mike Spaulding.
Grothman intimated that normally, security would not follow a member of Congress to such an event as a private baseball practice.
Thinking of my friend @SteveScalise this morning. Praying for him, Capitol Police and the others injured as this horrific news comes in.
— Rep. Glenn Grothman (@RepGrothman) June 14, 2017
"I'm sure security will be tightened up, particularly with the way this has all happened, at 7:15 a.m. It was obviously very premeditated by somebody who may have inside information about where these Congressmen would be."
He described Scalise as a friend.
"He's one of the nicest, most well respected Congressman up here. I think the world of him. We're all so grateful he's doing fine."
Numerous members of Congress from Wisconsin shared their well wishes for Scalise, including Speaker of the House Paul Ryan:
This morning the hearts of the whole House are with @SteveScalise, the brave Capitol police, staff, and all those who were in harm's way.
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) June 14, 2017
Shared by Congresswoman Gwen Moore, who also represents much of Southeastern Wisconsin:
My heart goes out to @SteveScalise, his staff & @CapitolPolice. Sending prayers & wishing everyone a swift recovery. https://t.co/qOPhz5sIRq
— Gwen Moore (@RepGwenMoore) June 14, 2017
Senator Ron Johnson offered his thoughts:
Praying for @SteveScalise and the other victims this morning. https://t.co/eZu2fQ07JP
— Senator Ron Johnson (@SenRonJohnson) June 14, 2017
Rep. Ron Kind gave his thoughts on Twitter:
My prayers are with my colleagues, their aides, and the brave Capitol Police who were injured during this senseless act of violence.
— Rep. Ron Kind (@RepRonKind) June 14, 2017
Also shared by Mike Gallagher, who represents areas near Green Bay:
As we await more details, my prayers are with my colleague @SteveScalise and anyone else affected this morning.
— Rep. Mike Gallagher (@RepGallagher) June 14, 2017
Additionally, Rep. Mark Pocan shared his communication on the shooting:
Thinking of my colleagues and all the victims who were injured in this senseless act of violence. https://t.co/WnVudWF5iM
— Rep. Mark Pocan (@repmarkpocan) June 14, 2017
And from Rep. Ron Kind:
My prayers are with my colleagues, their aides, and the brave Capitol Police who were injured during this senseless act of violence.
— Rep. Ron Kind (@RepRonKind) June 14, 2017
