Bernie Sanders 'Sickened' to Learn the Alexandria Shooter Once Volunteered for His Campaign

James T. Hodgkinson, the gunman who opened fire on House GOP whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) and four others during a congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia, once volunteered with the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign. On Wednesday afternoon, the Vermont senator took to the Senate floor to condemn Hodgkinson's deed "in the strongest possible terms."

"I have just been informed that the alleged shooter at the Republican baseball practice is someone who apparently volunteered on my presidential campaign," Sanders said. "I am sickened by this despicable act."

"Let me be as clear as I can be," he continued. "Violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society, and I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms. Real change can only come about through nonviolent action, and anything else runs against our most deeply held American values." 

Rep. Scalise was shot in the hip and remains in critical condition as of Wednesday afternoon, following emergency surgery. 

"I know I speak for the entire country in saying that my hopes and prayers are that Representative Scalise, congressional staff and the Capitol police officers who were wounded make a quick and full recovery," added Sanders. "I also want to thank the Capitol police for their heroic actions to prevent further harm." 

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