The commissioner of Major League Baseball on Wednesday threw his support behind congressional members’ decision to move forward with a charity baseball game in the wake of a shooting at a GOP baseball practice.
In a statement issued hours after the Wednesday morning attack, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred offered his organization’s support ahead of the game, which is set to take place Thursday night at Nationals Park.
{mosads}”Both teams have been practicing for weeks in preparation for the game at Nationals Park and we fully support the decision to play the game,” Manfred said. “We look forward to a full recovery for each of the victims and hope that tomorrow night’s game can play a constructive role in the healing process.”
The Washington Nationals also issued a statement Wednesday, applauding the decision to go through with the congressional match.
“This bipartisan event shows baseball’s power to bring people together,” the team said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those wounded today and their families.”
The shooting at a park in Alexandria, Va., left five people injured, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.). The victims were taken to hospitals for treatment after the attack. Scalise has since undergone surgery and remains in critical condition.
The shooter was identified as James Hodgkinson, 66, a former home inspector from Belleville, Ill. He was shot by law enforcement minutes after beginning his attack and later died of his injuries.