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by: Alex Thomas, Rare.us Updated: Jun 14, 2017 - 9:29 AM

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana and members of his staff wereamong the victims of a shooting early Wednesday during GOP baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia.

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who was also present at the practice, recounted the events to Morning Joe. Paul said he was in the batting cage. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., heads to the Senate floor for a vote on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call

"I grew up in the South, and I just thought someone had discharged a shotgun, which isnt that unusual in the South, but then I thought, We are in the city; were not in the country here.'

He said he saw Scalise shot but moving, trying to drag himself out of the dirt into the outfield.

Paul said he wasnt sure where the shots were coming from. He said he heard 50 to 60 shots before the Capitol Hill police responded.

>> Click here to watch

Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala., also at the practice and told CNN that he was on deck, about to hit batting practice when the shots rang out.

I look around, and I see a rifle and I see a little bit of a body," he said. "Then I hear another blam, and I realize theres an active shooter.

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Brooks ran to the dugout, where a number of people were laying on the ground. The congressman then used his belt as a tourniquet to stop the bleeding from a staffers leg. Brooks heard another shot and looked up to see one of the members of their security detail firing back at the shooter with a pistol.

>> Watch the interview here

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WATCH: Rand Paul, Mo Brooks recall chilling details of shooting at GOP baseball practice - WFTV Orlando

GUNMAN OPENS FIRE AT GOP BASEBALL PRACTICECongressional baseball game: What to expect | 0:42

Lawmakers will continue their congressional baseball game tradition despite the shooting that wounded 5 people, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, during the Republican team's practice. Security will be especially tight. USA TODAY

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House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) was shot among several people shot during practice for a charity baseball game. USA TODAY

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Multiple shots reportedly fired by gunman at GOP congressional baseball practice. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise was among several people shot. USA TODAY

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Police have named the man they believe to be behind the D.C. area suburb shooting, and it turns out he was an ardent Bernie Sanders supporter. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@fantasticmrnate) explains. Buzz60

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Former Alexandria, Virginia Mayor Bill Euille says he met James T. Hodgkinson, the man who opened fire on Republican Congress members. Euille says he found Hodgkinson to be rational, calm and polite. (June 15) AP

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Hours after the attack in Virginia, a picture began to emerge of an attacker with a mostly minor arrest record who worked as a home inspector and despised the Republican Party. But friend says shooter didn't seem prone to violence. (June 14) AP

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The St. Clair County, Illinois Sheriff says deputies warned James T. Hodgkinson in March that it was dangerous to fire a gun near homes. Hodgkinson has been identified as the man who shot at Republican Congress members on a baseball field. (June 15) AP

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Sen. Rand Paul and Rep. Mo Brooks detail the heroic efforts of U.S. Capitol Police during the shooting at a congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia. USA TODAY

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The Republican and Democratic leaders of the U.S. Senate took to the floor to express sadness over the shooting at a congressional baseball practice that left House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and a number of others injured. (June 14) AP

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Gov. John Bel Edwards, House Speaker Taylor Barras, R-New Iberia, Senate President John Alario, R-Westwego and lawmakers gathers in the Louisiana Capitol's Memorial Hall Wednesday to pray for the recovery of Congressman Steve Scalise, R-New Orleans, and other victims. Greg Hilburn/USA Today Network

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Leaders in the House of Representatives from both parties joined together in words to heal and unite their members after the shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise. (June 14) AP

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In the wake of the shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise in Virginia Wednesday, police are beefing up security around Capitol Hill. Veuer's Nick Cardona (@nickcardona93) has that story. Buzz60

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Republican Rep. Jeff Duncan says he suspects he spoke with the man who minutes later opened fire on the congressional baseball practice. (June 14) AP

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Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) recounts the shooting in which House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and a number of others were wounded by a gunman in Alexandria, VA. USA TODAY

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Independent Senator Bernie Sanders, speaking on the Senate floor Wednesday, said the Alexandria shooter was someone who "apparently volunteered on my presidential campaign." (June 14) AP

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Authorities identified James T. Hodgkinson as the man who shot Rep. Steve Scalise and several others during a congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia. USA TODAY

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Bernie Sanders condemned the actions of the gunman who opened fire at a congressional baseball practice. USA TODAY

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Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) recounts the shooting in which House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and a number of others were wounded by a gunman in Alexandria, VA. USA TODAY

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One Republican congressman is linking the shooting of Representative Steve Scalise to the political rhetoric of Democrats. Veuer's Nick Cardona (@nickcardona93) has that story. Buzz60

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President Trump shared kind words about House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, who is in stable condition after being shot during a congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia. USA TODAY

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President Donald Trump describing a "brutal, brutal" assault in the shooting of a top House Republican Wednesday, said, "many lives would have been lost if not for the actions of the two Capitol Police officers." (June 14) AP

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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer thanked the U.S. Capitol Police officers who jumped into action during a shooting at a congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia. USA TODAY

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Authorities describe the quick response to a gunman opening fire during a congressional baseball practice. USA TODAY

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An eyewitness says the suspected gunman who Rep. Steve Scalise and several others used an assault rifle, such as an AK-47, to open fire on the baseball field Wednesday morning. (June 14) AP

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Was the tragic D.C. shooting politically motivated? One lawmaker at the scene seems to think so. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@fantasticmrnate) reports. Buzz60

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A gunman opened fire on a group of Republican lawmakers who were at a baseball practice field in Alexandria, Virginia early Wednesday. Josh King has the story (@abridgetoland). Buzz60

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A top House Republican, Louisiana's Steve Scalise was among several people shot by a rifle-wielding gunman at a congressional baseball practice just outside of Washington. Amateur video shows one person being wheeled away from the scene. (June 14) AP

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Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown called the scene where Congressman Steve Scalise was shot "stable" and said there was not addtional threat. AP

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House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana was shot Wednesday at a congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Va., congressional officials say. (June 14) AP

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Residents in the Virginia Alexandria neighborhood that was the scene of the shooting recounted to reporters the massive police presence in its aftermath. (June 14) AP

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Congressional baseball game: What to expect

Who is Rep. Steve Scalise?

Gunman opens fire during congressional baseball practice

Here's what we know about alleged Va. shooter James Hodgkinson

Former Alexandria mayor describes meeting gunman

Illinois friend: Shooter didn't seem prone to violence

Neighbor called sheriff about James Hodgkinson

Rand Paul: Alexandria shooting could've been 'a massacre'

Senate leaders: 'We're deeply saddened'

La. Capitol unites in prayer for Congressman Scalise

Ryan calls shooting 'an attack on all of us'

Police beef up security around the Capitol in wake of Va. shooting

Rep. Duncan says he thinks he spoke to shooter

Rep. Mo Brooks said they were 'helpless' in baseball shooting

Sanders: 'I am sickened by this despicable act'

James T. Hodgkinson: What we know

Shooter allegedly worked on Bernie Sanders' campaign

Rep. Mo Brooks: "You have a baseball bat, they have a rifle, you are defenseless."

GOP Rep: Links the shooting of Rep. Scalise to rhetoric from Democrats

Trump: Steve Scalise is a patriot, fighter

Trump: Shooting was a 'brutal assault'

McConnell, Schumer praise Capitol Police for bravery

Capitol Police update Alexandria shooting

Shooting eyewitness: Man with AK-47 opened fire

GOP Rep says before shooting, man asked about political party of group

President Trump responds to shooting of Rep. Steve Scalise and others

Amateur video captures Steve Scalise shooting aftermath

Police: Virginia shooting scene 'stable'

Steve Scalise, officers shot at congressional baseball practice

Virginia residents recount shooting aftermath

Senator Rand Paul chats upon arrival with those assembled at the St. Matthews Community Center on Monday morning. 3/20/17 (Photo: Marty Pearl/Special to The C-J)Buy Photo

Saying that a "massacre" had been prevented, U.S. Senator Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, praised Capitol Police after a gunman opened fire ascongressmen and aides were practicing for an upcoming congressional baseball game in Alexandria, Virginia.

"I was there and am shaken but unharmed," Paul said in a statement. "Many people likely would have died this morning if not for the bravery of Capitol Police. My thanks to them are inadequate but heartfelt."

Paul told MSNBC's Morning Joe that he was in the batting cage when the incident occurred and was not injured.

Police say the suspect, James Hodgkinson, 66,raged against President Trump and once singled out House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, who was wounded in the attack.

Scalise, R-La.was shot in the hip and listed in critical condition at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

Federal authorities said it was too early to determine whether the assault targeted members of Congress. But Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., raised the ominous prospect that the incident may have been politically motivated, saying that a man who appeared to match Hodgkinson's description approached him and others in the parking lot of the Alexandria, Va., baseball field to ask whether the practice involved Republicans or Democrats.

In a March 22 Facebook post, Hodgkinson, who turned his ire against Trump, who he described as a "traitor.''

"Trump Has Destroyed Our Democracy,'' he said. "It's Time to Destroy Trump & Co."

Excerpt from:
Sen. Rand Paul: Capitol Police prevented a 'massacre' after shooting at Virginia baseball field - The Courier-Journal

Alexandria shooter James Hodgkinson seen in an image protesting with a sign that features a tweet by Kentucky Senator Rand Paul is a fake.

The doctored image attempts to show Hodgkinson holding a sign with a tweet about the Second Amendment or the right to bear arms. The fake image clearly intends to draw a line between the gun control debate and Hodgkinsons recent attack.

Hodgkinson opened fire on a group of Republican lawmakers at a baseball field in Alexandria, Va., on June 14, 2017, leaving five people injured. Those injured included House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, who was left in critical condition.

Shortly after, social media users circulated a photograph that appeared to show the gunman, Hodgkinson, holding a sign with an image of a Paul tweet about the Second Amendment.

The Paul tweet is actually quoting author and commentator Judge Andrew Napolitano saying that the Second Amendment was written to allow people to shoot at the government when it becomes tyrannical. The photograph, however, has been doctored.

Associated Press photographer Derik Holtmann took the real photograph in 2012.

In it, Hodgkinson stands outside a post office in Belleville, Ill., holding a sign that reads Tax the rich like congress did for 70 years til Reagans Trickle Down We Need 20 Brackets $20 million. You can see the side by side comparison of the two images below.

The tweet itself from Paul has served as a bit of controversy on social media.

Some claimed that Pauls tweet incited violence and actually encouraged people to use the Second Amendment to harm a tyrannical government. Many failed to acknowledge, however, that the tweet was simply quoting Judge Napolitano, not prompting people to use it for any nefarious purpose.

Webcast, June 21st: 5 Keys to Operational Excellence

The suspects brother said Hodgkinson was a critic President Donald Trump, upset over last falls election and intent on bringing his protest to Washington. But his more immediate motive for the attack remained unclear late Wednesday, even as investigators surrounded Hodgkinsons home on the outskirts of Belleville, a town of 40,000 across the Mississippi River from St. Louis.

What did you think of the fake image involving Hodgkinson holding a sign with Pauls tweet? And, what did you think of Pauls tweet with regards to the Second Amendments purpose? Let us know in the comments section.

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Alexandria Shooter Holding Sign With Rand Paul Tweet About Right To Bear Arms Is A Fake Image - Business 2 Community

Sen. Rand PaulRand PaulOvernight Finance: Senate passes Russian sanctions deal | White House divided on debt limit strategy | Budget office wages 'war on waste' | Trump expected to tighten Cuba rules Sanders: New Iran sanctions could blow up nuclear deal Murkowski: 'I just truly do not know' if I can support GOP health bill MORE (R-Ky.) sharply criticized central elements of the emerging Senate Republican healthcare bill on Thursday, indicating that he will vote against it unless dramatic changes are made.

Paul denounced as new entitlements two core elements of the Republican bill in both the House and Senate: a refundable tax credit to help people buy insurance and a stabilization fund of money to help bring down premiums.

I think we shouldn't have new entitlements that will go on forever in a Republican plan to fix healthcare, Paul told a small group of reporters. We can't pay for what we already have: Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

Paul is perhaps the strongest voice of opposition to the emerging direction of the bill so far.

Sen. Mike LeeMike LeeMurkowski: 'I just truly do not know' if I can support GOP health bill Rand Paul denounces 'new entitlements' in emerging health bill Senate overwhelmingly passes Russia sanctions deal MORE (R-Utah) is another potential conservative no vote. Lee said Sunday that he has grave concerns about the way the bill is headed.

Conservative Sen. Ted CruzTed CruzRand Paul denounces 'new entitlements' in emerging health bill GOP considers keeping ObamaCare taxes Trump having lunch with senators to talk healthcare MORE (R-Texas), in contrast, has held his fire so far, taking a more conciliatory approach toward GOP leaders than he has in the past.

Many conservatives are worried that the bill is being changed to win over moderate Republicans, for example by allowing a longer phase-out of Medicaid expansion funds.

Republicans have a thin margin to move legislation: They can only lose two members and still have the 50 votes needed to pass it.

Paul has been less vocal about his opposition than he was when the bill was moving through the House. Then, he made headlines by wheeling a photocopier across the Capitol to try to find a copy of the House bill.

Asked about the Senates process, Paul pointed to committee hearings, which Republicans are foregoing in a major break from the traditional legislative process.

I think I would have preferred that it go through committee, Paul said. But they've chosen to do it the way they are and we'll see. But the proof's in the details when they finally get a bill out.

Asked if he would be bringing his photocopier back out, Paul smiled and said, Well see.

More:
Rand Paul denounces 'new entitlements' in emerging health bill - The Hill

Unfortunately, a handful of Democrats sided with the administration and against efforts to end Saudi atrocities in Yemen.

Senator Rand Paul. (AP Photo / J. Scott Applewhite)

There can be no doubt that it is unconscionable for President Donald Trump to promote $110 billion in new arms sale to Saudi Arabiaa country that Human Rights Watch notes has repeatedly used US weapons in attacks that are likely [to] constitute war crimes.

But it is also unconscionable for members of Congress, especially Democrats, to aid and abet Trumps wrongdoing.

Trumps alliance with the Saudiswhich renews the worst of past US practices and extends them at a point when Riyadh is engaged in a brutal assault on the people of Yemenmust be scrutinized, checked, and balanced by the House and Senate. But that will only happen if Democrats form a united front and side with responsible Republicans to prevent arms sales to the Saudis. On Tuesday, 47 senators voted to block a substantial portion of the arms deal the president has promised the Saudis. Unfortunately, 53 senators, including five Democrats, sided with Trump.

That a majority of senators would turn a blind eye to what is happening in Yemen is horrific. That a group of Democrats who join that majority, at a time when a number of Republicans are saying no to Trump, is indefensible.

We have a chance to tell Saudi Arabia weve had enough.@RandPaul urges Senate to block arms for Saudi Arabia

The issues that are in play are not a close call.

Human Rights Watch has documented 81 apparently unlawful coalition attacks over the last two years, many possible war crimes. In almost two dozen of these cases, including the attack on the funeral hall, we were able to identify the US weapons that were used, the international monitoring and advocacy group reported in March. According to the United Nations, at least 4,773 civilians have been killed and 8,272 wounded since this conflict began, the majority by coalition airstrikes. The war has driven Yemen, already the poorest nation in the Middle East, toward humanitarian catastrophe. Both the coalition and Houthi-Saleh forces have blocked or restricted critical relief supplies from reaching civilians. Seven million people face starvation, and cholera ravages parts of the country.

The concern about US arms sales to the Saudis is widespread among human-rights groups.

Two years of conflict have forced three million people to flee their homes, shattered the lives of thousands of civilians and left Yemen facing a humanitarian disaster with more than 18 million in desperate need of assistance. Yet despite the millions of dollars worth of international assistance allocated to the country, many states have contributed to the suffering of the Yemeni people by continuing to supply billions of dollars worth of arms, says Lynn Maalouf, who serves as deputy director for research at Amnesty Internationals Beirut regional office. Weapons supplied in the past by states such as the UK and USA have been used to commit gross violations and helped to precipitate a humanitarian catastrophe. These governments have continued to authorize such arms transfers at the same time as providing aid to alleviate the very crisis they have helped to create. Yemeni civilians continue to pay the price of these brazenly hypocritical arms supplies.

Recognizing the madness of providing the Saudis with more weaponryand justifiably concerned that officials in Riyadh will take from the approval of increased arms sales a implicit signal of US approval for more warfare and killingKentucky Senator Rand Paul broke with Trump and launched a move to block Trumps morally reprehensible choice.

Displaying a picture of a child who was killed in Yemen, the Republican senator pleaded with his Senate colleagues to prevent Trump and his Saudi allies from making circumstances on the ground dramatically worse. One group said that the impending famine in Yemen may reach biblical proportionsthink about that. It is astounding what is being done, said Paul, who declared that we will force this vote for these children in Yemen because we have a chance today to stop the carnage. We have a chance to tell Saudi Arabia weve had enough.

The senators impassioned argument won support from across the political spectrum. Teaming with Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat who has often taken the lead on human-rights issues, Paul succeeded in generating a historic level of opposition to giving a blank check to the Saudis.

The initiative gained the support of four Republican senatorsPaul and Mike Lee of Utah, Todd Young of Indiana, and Dean Heller of Nevadaas well as 43 Democrats. Unfortunately, the five Democratic senators who sided with the administrationIndianas Joe Donnelly, Missouris Claire McCaskill, Floridas Bill Nelson, West Virginias Joe Manchin, and Virginias Mark Warnerprevented Paul and Murphy from succeeding.

The determination of those Democrats to back Trumps Saudi agenda is shameful. They are aiding and abetting not just an irresponsible and wrongheaded Republican president but policies that are likely to lead to significantly more death and more suffering.

Thats frustrating. But it is important to recognize that the fight to limit arms sales to Saudi Arabia is gaining momentum. An effort by Paul and Murphy to block rank sales to Saudi Arabia last year drew just 27 votes. This year, 20 more senators sided with Paul and Murphy.

THE STAKES ARE HIGHER NOW THAN EVER. GET THE NATION IN YOUR INBOX.

Numbers like these in the Senate, historically reluctant to adopt measures that could potentially damage the US-Saudi alliance, show the tide is shifting, explains Alexandra Schmitt of Human Rights Watch. This level of bipartisan support for this resolution could be a game changer and is hopefully the beginning of the end to US cooperation in Saudi-led coalition abuses in Yemen. The Senate should keep up pressure on the Trump administration until the Saudis end their unlawful attacks and credibly investigate the scores they have already conducted.

Thats right. Responsible members of the Senate and the House should keep up pressure on the thoroughly irresponsible Trump administration.

At the same time, Americans of all political backgrounds should keep up pressure on the members of Congress who empower this presidentespecially those Democrats who align with a Trump administration that shows so little regard for human rights and human life.

See the article here:
Rand Paul and Most Senate Democrats Almost Blocked Trump's Saudi Arms Deal - The Nation.