Rep. Steve Scalise discharged from Washington hospital

Andrew V. Pestano,
United Press International Writer

WASHINGTON (UPI) — The MedStar Washington Hospital Center said it has discharged Rep. Steve Scalise, who is in “good spirits” following the shooting during a congressional baseball practice that threatened his life.

The hospital said it discharged Scalise on Tuesday after the congressman made “excellent progress in his recovery from a life-threatening gunshot wound six weeks ago.”

“Awesome news. Can’t wait to have you back to work,” U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan said in a statement.

The Louisiana Republican will now begin a period of intensive inpatient rehabilitation.

“He is in good spirits and is looking forward to his return to work once he completes rehabilitation,” the hospital said in a statement on Wednesday. “He and his family are grateful for the care he received from the trauma team as well as the other doctors, nurses, and staff of MedStar Washington Hospital Center. The family also appreciates the outpouring of prayers and support during this time.”

Scalise underwent surgery to manage a deep-tissue infection related to his bullet wounds on July 13, after receiving previous surgeries also related to the shooting.

Police say gunman James Hodgkinson, 66, who had expressed grievances with Republicans, opened fire on the Republican squad practicing for the annual congressional baseball game and injured Scalise. Five others were also injured in the incident and Hodgkinson was killed in a shootout with police.

The FBI said the shooting was not connected to terrorism.