Virginia shooting: Republican congressman Steve Scalise 'shot in hip' during baseball practice

The GOP team was holding an early morning practice just outside of Washington DC

Majority Whip Steve Scalise has been shot in the hip during an early morning Congressional baseball practise according to eyewitness Congressman Mo Brooks.

Mr Brooks was on the field and said Mr Scalise was playing in the second base position when shots were fired from near the third base dugout.

Since Mr Scalise is the Majority Whip and in the line of succession, Capitol Police were present as a limited security detail.

At least one Capitol Police officer was shot in the leg. Senator Jeff Flake, also on the field, said he believes the wounded officer was the one that brought the shooter down.

Mr Brooks, audibly shaken, told CNN that he saw at least five people shot. He was able to administer first aid to one staffer who was shot by tying a tourniquet around the person's leg.

Congressman Rand Paul, who was playing in right field, said he heard at least 50 to 60 shots fired and Mr Scalise was moving after he was shot, dragging himself into the outfield. He is said to be in stable condition at an area hospital, according to Fox News.

Mr Flake said the shooter "had a lot of ammo".

Mr Brooks said he did not get a detailed look at the gunmen but one of them appeared to be a heavyset, white male, brandishing a rifle.

The Congressman said there were approximately 25 members of the GOP baseball team at the practice this morning.

"It seemed like forever" until he heard sirens, Mr Brooks said. He said it was at least two to five minutes until help arrived in addition to the limited Capitol Police security detail which was already on the scene.

Mr Paul said the team was set to play a charity game tomorrow. "The field was basically a killing field," he told CNN.

"Capitol Police really saved people's lives," Mr Paul said.

The GOP team has been using the field in the Del Ray neighbourhood of Alexandria, Virginia just outside of Washington, DC for several years.