FBI: Suspected shooter had been in Alexandria since March

The suspected shooter who opened fire on Republican lawmakers practicing for the Congressional Baseball Game had been in Alexandria, Va. since March and is believed to have been living in a white cargo van, the FBI said Wednesday evening.

James Hodgkinson, 66, believed to be behind the Wednesday morning shooting, was originally from Belleville, Ill., where he previously worked as a home inspector. He was shot by law enforcement officials and later died of multiple gunshot wounds to the torso, according to Tim Slater, the FBI special agent in charge.

In the hours following the shooting, a profile of Hodgkinson began forming. A former volunteer for the Sen. Bernie Sanders’s (I-Vt.) presidential campaign, Hodgkinson appeared on social media as a staunch critic of President Trump and the Republican Party. 

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His political views were immediately examined as a motive for the attack. Slater, however, flatly denied the notion that the shooting was an assassination attempt against a particular member and dismissed an account holding that Hodgkinson had asked about the lawmakers’ political affiliation before the attack.

Five people, including Hodgkinson, were shot in the early morning attack, Slater said at a news conference. Two others suffered secondary injuries and were treated at local hospitals.

Among those shot was House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), who underwent surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center after the attack. He remains in critical condition.

Congressional staffer Zack Barth, lobbyist Matt Mika and a Capitol Police officer were also shot and taken to hospitals for treatment.

Slater said that the FBI was continuing to investigate the attack, as well as Hodgkinson’s motives. Law enforcement officials are asking local residents to come forward about any possible interactions they may have had with Hodgkinson during his time in Alexandria.

Alexandria police officers and Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents have swept Hodgkinson’s vehicle, Slater said.