Virginia shooting - as it happened

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According to the Washington Post, there have been 14 US members of Congress killed since the founding of the United States, and more than a dozen wounded in shootings.

Among the most high profile incidents:

• In 1831, Missouri Congressman Spencer Pettis died in a duel
• James Hinds from Arkansas was shot in 1868 while riding a horse. His attacker was never found
• In 1935, Louisiana Senator Huey Long, who was famous for his lengthy speeches in Congress, was shot and killed by the family member of a political opponent
• Democratic congresswoman Gabby Giffords was seriously injured when shot in Arizona in 2011

Both Republican and Democratic members of Congress have taken to the floor of the House of Representatives to condemn the shooting and to applaud the first responders.

Capitol Hill police officers Krystal Griner and David Bailey were both injured in the 10-minute-long gunfight.

Witnesses who spoke to the BBC and US media describe what they saw in Virginia this morning.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein just released this statement:

"This morning, Members of Congress, Senators, congressional staffers, and Capitol Police officers were targets of a senseless and cowardly attack during a practice for a bi-partisan, charity baseball game. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We pray for their swift recovery. The Department of Justice will provide all resources necessary for a thorough investigation.

"I commend the heroic officers of the Capitol Police and the Alexandria Police Department. Their willingness to risk their lives to keep us safe is humbling and inspiring."

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There is a heavy security presence as congressmen who were part of the baseball practice and witnessed the shooting have been briefing reporters, after being taken to the Capitol from Alexandria.

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Congressman Mo Brooks, who reportedly used his belt as a tourniquet to aid wounded teammates, says that his view on gun control has not changed.

"These rights are here to protect Americans, they are fundamental to our being the greatest nation in world history," he tells US media.

Jeff Duncan, who represents South Carolina in the House of Representatives was at the practice session but left before the shooting began.

He described to US media how a man approached the group to ask if they were Democrats or Republicans on the field.

It has not yet been confirmed if that was the same person who later opened fire on the Republican team.

"There are very strong emotions in this House today," says House Speaker Paul Ryan after a brief moment of silence.

"We are all horrified by the dreadful attack on our colleagues.

To thunderous applause from fellow members of congress, he adds: "We are united in our shock. We are united in our anguish. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us."

The congressional baseball game is still scheduled for Thursday night at Nationals Park stadium in Washington DC.

At least one member of congress is calling on President Trump to attend the cross-party game, which has taken on added significance now.

The Washington Post has a piece explaining the history of the game.

The Belleville News-Democrat newspaper has found this image of suspected gunman James Hodgkinson of Illinois, protesting against wealth inequality in 2012.

The paper says he is a member of several anti-Republican groups on Facebook.

Texas Congressman Joe Barton took a moment in the halls of Congress to describe this morning's attack.

Looking directly into the camera, and speaking from prepared remarks, Trump says "we may have our differences but we do well in times like these to remember that everyone that serves in our nation's capital is here because above all they love this country".

"Congressman Steve Scalise, a member of House leadership, was shot and badly wounded and is now in a stable condition at the hospital along with two very courageous Capitol Police officers."

"Many lives would have been lost" if not for the officers, who "sustained wounded during a very very brutal assault", the president says.

Addressing Scalise, Trump says: "America is praying for you and America is praying for all of the victims of this terrible shooting."

The Illinois States Attorney Office has sent this image of James T Hodgkinson to the BBC.

Hodgkinson has been identified by US media as the attacker.

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