House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-L.A.) was readmitted to the intensive care unit at MedStar Hospital Wednesday evening. The Republican congressman, who was targeted by gunman James T. Hodgkinson while practicing for the annual Congressional Baseball Game, shared a statement from the hospital via his official Twitter account.
Update from @MedStarWHC on the condition of Majority Whip Steve Scalise: pic.twitter.com/YnEDhiX4gO
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) July 6, 2017
The father of two underwent multiple surgeries following the shooting and was upgraded from “serious” to “fair” condition late last month. And though reports surrounding Scalise’s recovery have been optimistic, the latest update reveals the lasting damage of the horrific, politically motivated June 14 attack.
In the wake of his recent relapse, Twitter users rallied to offer their support and request prayers for Scalise and his family.
Please pray for Congressman Steve Scalise who was shot by an angry Democrat. His condition has been downgraded… https://t.co/uHSAMp9xKb
— Father Peter West (@fr_pwest) July 6, 2017
BREAKING: Rep. Steve Scalise readmitted to intensive care unit. Pray for Steve and his family.
— Raymond Arroyo (@RaymondArroyo) July 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/Pamela_Moore13/status/882791065899716612
Rep. Steve Scalise was readmitted to the hospital in serious condition due to infection. Please pray for him.
— Ryan Fournier (@RyanAFournier) July 6, 2017
Before the shooting, Scalise shared a rowhouse near Capitol Hill with Reps. John Shimkus (R-I.L.), Erik Paulsen (R-M.N.) and Kevin Brady (R-T.X.). In an interview with The New York Times last month, Scalise’s Capitol roommates shared their hope for their friend, while stressing the severity of his condition.
“It’s going to be a tough rest of the year for us,” Rep. Shimkus told the Times.
In the statement released Wednesday, MedStar Washington Hospital Center noted that it would provide another update on Thursday.