Rep. Steve Scalise returns to Congressional baseball game, Rep. Raul Ruiz also on the field

Democrats and Republicans set their political differences aside and came together Thursday night at the annual Congressional Baseball game in Washington, DC. The politicians raised several thousand dollars for charities, while commemorating the one year since a gunman opened fire on the Republican team during practice, almost killing House Republican, Steve Scalise.

Scalise was back on the field and according to his team-mates he came back stronger. But it wasn’t an easy recovery.

“I think the lowest point was the first time I saw my kids. You know, it was tough for them to absorb something like this, to know that your dad was shot. Somebody tried to kill me and you know, to comprehend that, for, at the time, a 10 and an 8-year-old, that’s really tough,” Scalise said.

June 14, 2017, an Illinois, left wing activist, opened fire on the GOP team during practice, the day before the Congressional game.

Scalise had almost a dozen surgeries. A bullet tore through his hip, shattered his femur and ripped blood vessels. Scalise’s security brought the gunman down, and ultimately killed the suspect.

Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz was also on the field Thursday night and said the evening is about supporting one another.

“It’s a good time to build comrodery, not only with the Democrats but also the Republicans and to raise some money here for charities and a good cause,” said Ruiz.

The other four shooting victims appeared on the field as well. Capitol police officers Crystal Griner and David Bailey, lobbyist Matt Mika and Congressional Aide Zack Barth threw out the first pitches.
Ruiz scored twice and got on base twice.