Congressman Ruiz talks about GOP baseball practice shooting

“I was playing second base and the coach ran out to the pitcher’s mound with a concerned look on his face waving his arms and that’s when I knew something was wrong,” Congressman Raul Ruiz said.

Watch the full interview with Congressman Ruiz

The Congressional Baseball Game has been a tradition since 1909, a fun and philanthropic one at that raising money for DC area charities. Then, one day before the 2017 game, terror struck out.

“We all of a sudden knew this was more than a neighborhood gunfire, this was targeted. We all got on their phones trying to get as much information and share with one another. First thing that came to mind mind was let my wife Monica know I was ok,” Ruiz said.

It happened during a routine practice, early in the morning, during America’s favorite pastime.

“We’ve seen shootings happen at schools, concerts, nightclubs, all vulnerable places. What does this say about these vulnerable places, what does this say do we always need to be on a heightened alert?” Bianca Rae asked.

“I don’t think we should live a life of fear. I think we should be vigilant. I grew up in Coachella with a sense of safety conscious and you have to have situational awareness,” Ruiz said.

Then, as details of the shooting unfolded, a powerful image surfaced – the Democrat team praying for the GOP players, sending a strong message.

“We need to some together as Americans. We need to love our nation more than people hate the other party.If we don’t tone down the hateful political rhetoric, we’re at risk of losing our humanity,” Ruiz said.

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