Louisiana State University (LSU) is supplying hats, shirts and other items to help supplement the gear already gathered together for the annual congressional baseball game scheduled for this evening near Washington, D.C. On Wednesday, members of the Congressional Republican team were attacked by a gunman while practicing for the annual charity game in the early morning hours in Alexandria, Va.
The Republican and Democrat teams will wear the LSU gear during the game in honor of Congressman Steve Scalise (R-La.), who was still in critical condition on Thursday after being shot during the attack. Scalise, the United States House Majority Whip, earned his bachelor’s degree from LSU in computer science with a political science minor in 1989.
Scalise remains hospitalized in critical condition at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, according to news reports. At least two Capitol police officers and several congressional staffers were also injured in the attack. The shooter, identified as James T. Hodgkinson of Belleville, Ill., was fatally shot by Capitol police.
“We are grateful to Congress for thinking of Rep. Steve Scalise during this difficult time and recognizing him by wearing LSU gear in support of his recovery,” LSU President F. King Alexander said. “Rep. Scalise is a proud LSU alumnus and great supporter of the university, and we are proud to help out even in this small way. The thoughts and prayers of the entire LSU community are with Rep. Scalise, his family and all of those injured.”
The local LSU alumni chapter in Washington, D.C., has also offered its assistance in helping in any way during the game in handing out LSU items or other tasks as needed.
“The entire LSU Board of Supervisors stands united with our nation, our state and the entire LSU family in extending our thoughts and prayers to Congressman Steve Scalise at this critical time,” LSU Board of Supervisors Chair Scott Ballard said. “Congressman Scalise is a proud LSU alumnus and we pray for his full and complete recovery.”
By Eric Mann
Eric Mann is the communications assistant at the United States Sports Academy. Reach him at emann@ussa.edu.