WASHINGTON — Army veteran and Ohio Rep. Brad Wenstrup described Wednesday's attack on a congressional baseball team's practice "like being back in a combat zone in Iraq."
At least five people, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, were injured when a lone gunmen opened fire on the early morning practice. Capitol Hill officers assigned to Scalise's security detail and local law enforcement returned fire and captured the attacked.
Wenstrup, part of the Republican team scheduled to play a charity baseball game Thursday night, was among the first people to reach Scalise after he was shot in the hip. In an interview with ABC news, he said his military training took over.
"I did what I did in Iraq," he said. "You assess their wounds, and you cut down their clothes and look for the wound and make sure that you stop the bleeding."
Wenstrup has served in the U.S. Army Reserve since 1998, and currently holds the rank of colonel. He served as tour in Iraq in 2005 and 2006 as a combat surgeon and received a Bronze Star for that work.
As part of his current reserve duties, Wenstrup treats patients at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland.
Scalise is expected to recover from his injuries. In various news interviews through the morning, fellow lawmakers credited Wenstrup’s medical expertise and quick action with helping stabilize their wounded colleague.
Wenstrup described the scene as surreal.
"We were upbeat," he told NBC News. "We were getting ready for a game, and you can’t believe anything like this would happen."
Later, Wenstrup released a statement praising the actions of local law enforcement.
Law enforcement officers investigate the scene of a shooting near a baseball field in Alexandria, Va., Wednesday, June 14, 2017, where House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of La. was shot at a congressional baseball practice.
Photo Credit: Alex Brandon/AP
"You never expect a baseball field in America to feel like being back in a combat zone in Iraq, but this morning it did," he said. "Capitol police and emergency responders reacted swiftly and courageously – we are grateful for their presence.
"I urge the nation to keep Rep. Scalise and all injured in their prayers today."
House officials cancelled legislative proceedings for the day following the event. Officials with the charity baseball game have not yet decided if that event will be postponed.
Leo Shane III covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He can be reached at lshane@militarytimes.com.
Leo covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He has covered Washington, D.C. since 2004, focusing on military personnel and veterans policies. His work has earned numerous honors, including a 2009 Polk award, a 2010 National Headliner Award, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism award and the VFW News Media award.
