Wounded Officer Throws First Pitch at Congressional Game

The 25,000-strong crowd at Nationals Park cheered Thursday evening as Capitol Police officer David Bailey threw out the first pitch at the 2017 Congressional Baseball Game, less than 48 hours after he was wounded while protecting lawmakers. Bailey, who is credited with saving lives after gunman James Hodgkinson opened fire on Republican lawmakers as they practised for the game in Virginia, came out onto the field on crutches, the Hill reports. Crystal Griner, the other Capitol Police officer injured in the shooting, is still being treated in a Washington hospital. Rep. Roger Williams and aide Zach Barth, who were both wounded, appeared on the field before the start of the annual charity game.

The Democrats beat the Republicans 11-2, but the Democratic manager, Rep. Mike Doyle, gave the trophy to GOP counterpart Rep. Joe Barton to put in the office of Rep. Steve Scalise, who was critically injured in the shooting, CNN reports. Players on both teams wore Louisiana State University hats to honor the Republican, who was shot in the hip and has undergone several surgeries. "By playing tonight, you are showing the world that we will not be intimidated by threats, acts of violence, or assaults on our democracy," President Trump said in a video message sent to the game. "The game will go on." Organizers say attendance at this year's game broke records and the proceeds will be donated to the Capitol Police Memorial Fund. (More James Hodgkinson stories.)