Dupage Policy Journal

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL) hailed the efforts of law enforcement officers and the unity shown by political parties in the aftermath of the June 14 shooting of five people, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), at a park in Alexandria, Virginia, where Republican members of Congress were holding a baseball team practice.

“Today Democrats and Republicans came together in the U.S. Capitol to pray for our colleagues, staff, U.S. Capitol Police and all affected by this senseless and tragic shooting in Alexandria,” Hultgren said in a press releaset. “Our prayers go out to Whip Scalise and his family, and the families of the staffers and police officers injured by the actions of this disturbed gunman.”

“I am deeply appreciative of the professionalism of local law enforcement and the U.S. Capitol Police, and their commitment to public safety," Hultgren said in the release. "Without their presence and quick action at the baseball field, this attack could have been much worse.”

Hultgren said that while details are still being pieced together, the incident proves the resilience of America.

"We are still learning the motivations of the shooter,” he said. “Regardless of his motivations, I strongly defend freedom of speech, and that will never include someone using violence to promote their political beliefs. Peaceful resistance has always been a part of our country’s fabric. In this heightened time of tension and emotion, any and all encouragement by fringe groups to carry out violent behavior and attacks must cease. It’s time to put aside malice and pursue peaceful disagreement and civil discourse.”