Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, praised the work of the Capitol Police after the shooting at practice ahead of the congressional baseball game and said the shooting felt like “it went forever” in the moment.
Williams, a coach for the team, said he was hitting ground balls along the first base line to House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La. — who was shot in the hip — at second base when shots started firing, which sent all of the members into the first base dugout. He described jumping to the dugout ground as if he was “diving into a swimming pool with no water.”
“There easily could have been 25 deaths or more today,” Williams said after limping to the podium on crutches with his right foot/ankle area medically wrapped. “There were a lot of heroes today among my friends. It’s something I will not forget. It seemed like it went forever. Police say they got here in about three or four minutes, and I’m sure that’s the case, but it was a long time.”
The Texas Republican also said Zach Barth, a staffer of his who was shot in the leg, has already been released from the hospital and is “doing well.” He added Barth will make a full recovery.
“He has been released from the hospital. He was shot in the leg. He was in the outfield,” Williams said of Barth. “All the time he was bleeding and we were under fire, and that we needed help. So he’s doing great.” He added that Vice President Pence called Barth and sent along his well wishes.
Williams also said he has not spoken to Scalise since the incident, but said he expects him to make a full recovery.
As for Thursday’s game, Williams said he will be in attendance and coaching for the GOP — crutches and all.
“Well, some of us are on the injured reserve list right now,” Williams said. “If you’re not sure which one I’ll be, I’ll be the one coaching third on crutches.”
