Leaders react
President Donald Trump:
"Many lives would've been lost if not for the heroic actions of the two Capitol Police officers who took down the gunman, despite sustaining gunshot wounds during a very, very brutal assault."
"We can all agree that we are blessed to be Americans. Our children deserve to grow up in nation of safety and peace and that we are strongest when we are unified and when we work together for the common good.
"We may have our differences, but we do well, in times like these, to remember that everyone who serves in our nation's capital is here because, above all, they love our country.
"Congressman Scalise is a friend — a very good friend. … He will recover from this assault, and Steve, I want you to know, you have the prayers, not only of the entire city behind you, but of the entire nation, and frankly, the entire world," Trump said. "America is praying for you and America is praying for all of the victims of this terrible shooting."
House Speaker Paul Ryan
"There are very strong emotions throughout this House today. We are all horrified by this dreadful attack on our friends and on our colleagues and those who serve and protect this capital. We are all praying for those who were attacked and for their families. And we are united. 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.
"For all the noise and all the fury, we are one family. These were our brothers and sisters in the line of fire. These were our brothers and sisters who ran into danger and saved countless lives. So before this House returns to its business, let's just slow down and reflect, to think about how we're all being tested right now, because we are being tested right now. I ask each of you to join me to resolve to come together to lift each other up, and to show the country, to show the world that we are one House, the People's House, united in our humanity."
