Ohio Congressmen react to Representative shot

COLUMBUS, OHIO — The shooting in Virginia of Louisiana Republican Rep. Steve Scalise hit close to home for both Republicans and Democrats from Ohio. Ohio's delegation knew just about every person on the field Wednesday morning.

Republican House members were practicing for their traditional baseball game for charity held each year. Congressmen have used a field in Alexandria, Virginia to practice for years.

"It's not uncommon to have people gathering around but we certainly weren't expecting something like this," said Rep. Brad Wenstrup of Cincinnati who was on the field when the shooting started.

Wenstrup was at the right place at the right time. He's a former Iraq War surgeon who helped some of the people shot while medics headed to the scene.

"I ran out onto the field with (Senator) Jeff Flake to Steve (Scalise) and did what I did in Iraq and assessed the wounds, cut down their clothes and look for the wound and make sure you stop the bleeding," he said.

The shooting has stunned other members of Congress who weren't there.

"You're trying to be 15-years-old again playing baseball, not thinking of the potential of somebody opening fire," said Sen. Sherrod Brown, D - Ohio, who has played in the Congressional baseball game in years past. "It's troubling. You have these early morning practices. You never think about that happening."

Seeing one of their own shot has united both sides of the aisle.

"It doesn't matter whether it would have been a Republican or Democrat," said Rep. Steve Stivers, R - Upper Arlington. "We will come to each other's defense and aid and we should."

The shooting has reminded some representatives how vulnerable they can be as well.

"Being a member of Congress, it made us start processing how open we are for this to happen," said Rep. Joyce Beatty, D - Columbus. "It made me feel that maybe this is what it's taking to make Democrats and Republicans come together and we should make this about a oneness."

Rep. Stivers and Beatty said they both plan to attend the game. They said most members of Congress usually attend. They both expect a big crowd Thursday night as a sign of unity. The game will be played as scheduled.

This article first appeared on ABC6's website on June 14, 2017.