GOP, Democratic lawmakers show support for baseball game after shooting

Republican and Democratic members of congress are making public statements of support for Thursday night’s congressional baseball game, which comes after the wake Wednesday’s shooting at the Republican practice session in northern Virginia.

“Our capacity for compassion isn’t determined by party. I look forward to playing w/ my colleagues tonight, and pray for those who can’t,” the Democratic team coach Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) tweeted.

Our capacity for compassion isn’t determined by party. I look forward to playing ⚾️ w/ my colleagues tonight, and pray for those who can’t.

— Mike Doyle (@USRepMikeDoyle) June 15, 2017

 Rep. Denny Heck (D-Wash.) retweeted Doyle, adding that he is “Looking forward to cheering on my colleagues on both sides. Play ball!”

Looking forward to cheering on my colleagues on both sides. Play ball! https://t.co/x4drBp6Fdo

— Denny Heck (@RepDennyHeck) June 15, 2017

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.) also took to Twitter offered support to House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), who is in critical condition after being shot Wednesday.

“A special #TBT in honor of my friend Steve Scalise. He’ll be missed on the field tonight and remains in our thoughts and prayers,” Richmond tweeted.

A special #TBT in honor of my friend @SteveScalise. He’ll be missed on the field tonight and remains in our thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/ClcyFNMPkE

— Rep Cedric Richmond (@RepRichmond) June 15, 2017

Rep. Mike Bishop (R-Mich.) also tweeted out a tribute for Scalise and the other victims of the shooting.

“It’s gameday. Ready to get back on the field and play for Steve Scalise, Matt Mika & friends tonight,” he said

It’s gameday. Ready to get back on the field and play for @SteveScalise, Matt Mika & friends tonight. #CongressionalBaseballGame

— Mike Bishop (@RepMikeBishop) June 15, 2017

 Rep. Roger Williams (R-Tx.), who sprained his ankle during the attack, said he would make it to the game regardless of his injury.

“I’m going to be coaching third base on my crutches, so I’m going to guess I’m going to be the only third base coach in baseball tonight on crutches, but we’re going to be there,” Williams told CBS News. 

{mosads}The tributes come one day after a gunman opened fire on a baseball field in Alexandria, Va. while Republican congressman were practicing for Thursday’s game.

The shooting prompted calls for unity and healing from President Trump and members of Congress.

“We are strongest when we are unified and when we work together for the common good,” Trump said, addressing the nation Wednesday.

“An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us,” House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said.  

“We do pay tribute to them, identify with them, use all of our energy, just like sports,” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a press conference ahead of the game Thursday. 

“You have to use all of your energy for them to get well,” she said.