A multiple shooting occurred around 7:15 Wednesday morning, which resulted in U.S. House majority whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana and four others being shot. The shooting happened during a congressional baseball practice in northern Virginia with the charity game scheduled tomorrow. U.S. Congressman Barry Loudermilk, who serves Georgia’s 11th district, which includes Bartow County, was on the field when the shooting occurred.

WBHF spoke to a representative from Loudermilk’s staff, who stated that the congressman and his staff members were “fine and okay” following Wednesday’s multiple shooting. The shooting occurred inside the baseball diamond known as Eugene Simpson Stadium Park in Alexandria, where Republican members of Congress were practicing for a match-up with Democratic members. The GOP members had just taken the field, according to several representatives. Loudermilk later issued the following statement:

“Today’s attack was a senseless act of evil and hatred. I was there this morning, along with my Chief of Staff and, thankfully, he and I are okay. If it hadn’t been for the two Capitol Police officers there, courageously protecting us and returning fire, I don’t know how many of us would still be here. Many of my good friends were injured today. Please pray for those who were shot, and their families. There were a lot of heroes out there today, and I’m thankful for God’s provision and protection.”

The congressman later told CNN on Wednesday that Congress should be allowed to carry guns. “I think we need to look at some reciprocity for members here but we also need to look at security details,” he stated to Ashley Killough.

Representative Mo Brooks told CNN that at least five people, including Scalise. Brooks also said that “there must have been 50 to 100 shots fired.”

Scalise who was badly injured, and in critical condition, was shot in the hip. The gunman, who has been identified as 66-year-old James Hodgkinson of Illinois, was fatally shot by U.S. Capitol Police, according to officials. Stay tuned to WBHF for more details on this developing situation.

Loudermilk spoke to WBHF after the events on Wednesday. You can find the full interview here.