Palmer Safe Following Shooting

Congressman Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) was forced to run for cover during Wednesday's shooting rampage targeting practice for an annual  charity baseball game in Alexandria, Va.   Palmer, who was not injured, told News Radio 105.5 WERC he was playing shortstop when the gunman opened fire, and saw House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), the second baseman, cut down by gunfire.  Congressman Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) said he taking batting practice near home plate, and saw what appeared to be a rifle firing from near the third base dugout.  Brooks, Palmer and the others took cover, while the gun battle raged between the gunman and Capitol Hill police, who had accompanied Scalise.   Brooks offered his belt as a tourniquet, to a victim who was bleeding.  Authorities say the gunman shot and injured four people:  Scalise, a Capitol Hill policewoman, a congressional aide, and a lobyist for Tyson.  The gunman, 66-year old James Hodgkinson, of Illinois, died of his injuries.   Hodgkinson was a supporter of Sen. Bernie Sanders's (I-Vt.) failed presidential campaign, and posted harsh attacks against President Trump and Republicans on Facebook.