House Majority Whip Scalise Back At The Capitol For First Time Since June Shooting

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Metairie is back at the U.S. Capitol for the first time since he was shot on June 14th while practicing for a charity baseball game.

Scalise received a thunderous applause when he entered the House chambers and thanked those who helped save his life, including Ohio Representative Brad Wenstrup.

“Who would’ve thought that God would’ve put Brad out there on that field with me because the tourniquet he applied, many will tell you, saved my life so I could actually make it to the hospital in time with all the blood loss.”

Scalise and four others were shot by a gunman, who was killed when U.S. Capitol Police and other officers returned fire. Scalise was struck in the hip and the bullet damaged blood vessels, bones and internal organs. The 51-year-old says while it was an evil act, he was able to see the goodness of people.

“All I remember are the thousands of acts of kindness and love and warmth that came out of this and kept me going through all of it and just reemphasize just how wonderful people are.”

Scalise says while recovering and rehabbing he heard from several world leaders who looked at the shooting as an attack on our government. He had this message for his colleagues as he spoke to them for the first time in over three months.

“People all around the world that believe in freedom are counting on us, as well and we will deliver for them. That’s why I am so honored to be back here in the House serving with you, God bless each and every one of you.”