Carper Statement on Shooting at Congressional Baseball Practice

WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement in reaction to a shooting that wounded several people during the Republican team’s practice for the Congressional baseball game.

“When I heard the news this morning, I thought, ‘oh my God. Not this.’ I thank God the victims of this attack are expected to recover. In a turbulent time, and in a turbulent Capitol, we look for something that draws us together. Baseball does.

“For 10 years, I served in the House and played on the Democratic Congressional baseball team. We had a good-spirited rivalry with our Republican opponents. We had great fun. It was one of the things that brought us together every year. I love baseball and I know a lot of other people do as well. I look back fondly on those years.

“Thank God for the Capitol police officers who jumped into action. I thank our Capitol police every day, and it takes a special meaning today. There’s a verse in the New Testament that says, ‘Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.’ In this case, these officers were willing to risk their own lives to protect not just the congressmen, but the staff and people who were there. Thank God for them.”