Anti-Trump Gunman Attacks US Lawmakers, Dies In Shootout

ALEXANDRIA, United States, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jun, 2017 ) - A rifle-wielding critic of President Donald Trump opened fire Wednesday on US lawmakers practicing for a charity baseball game, seriously wounding a top Republican congressman and three others before he was killed by police.

The 66-year-old gunman was identified as James T. Hodgkinson of Belleville, Illinois, an ardent supporter of liberal Senator Bernie Sanders -- who said he was "sickened" by what he called a "despicable act." In a national address, Trump appealed for unity following the morning assault in the Washington suburb of Alexandria, Virginia, which came amid high political tension in the US capital after a vitriol-filled 2016 election.

"We are strongest when we are unified and when we work together for the common good," said the president. Congressman Steve Scalise -- the number three Republican in the House of Representatives -- underwent surgery after being shot in the hip and remained in critical condition, according to MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

Three others were shot and injured: a congressional aide, a lobbyist for Tyson Foods, and a US Capitol Police officer. A second Capitol police officer suffered non-gunshot injuries, the FBI said. Two congressman said they had sustained minor injuries while trying to take cover.