The FBI released the identity yesterday of the man who fired shots at the Congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, VA that left Congressman Steve Scalise (R-LA) critically injured.
James Hodgkinson, 66, from Belleville, Illinois was identified as the shooter. He died yesterday from gunshot wounds sustained when law enforcement officers engaged him in a shootout at the scene.
According to the FBI, Hodgkinson began shooting at around 7:09 AM EST on June 14 and officers arrived at approximately 7:12 AM and the suspect was engaged by law enforcement at 7:14 AM.
The FBI is actively investigating Hodgkinson, to include his associates, whereabouts, social media impressions, and potential motivations. The FBI said it is an active investigation that continues to unfold.
The ATF is running a trace on two weapons, to include a rifle and a handgun.
The scene remains an active investigation, where law enforcement, to include the FBI Evidence Response Team, ATF, and Alexandria Police Department, are collecting evidence. In addition, the FBI Springfield and St. Louis Evidence Response Teams are searching the subject’s home in Belleville, Illinois.
The FBI said it has reason to believe Hodgkinson had been in the DC area since March.
“Law enforcement has reason to believe that the shooter has been in Alexandria, Va. area since March of this year. The FBI has issued a seeking information poster that’s located on our website, asking the public to come forward with information on the shooter,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Tim Slater said in a press conference Wednesday evening.
ABC News reported that Hodgkinson has had run-ins with law enforcement in the past including cases where he discharged shots on his property and a domestic battery case in 2006. He also had an active presence on social media, including posts that Reuters described as “raged against Republican U.S. President Donald Trump.”
The FBI has released a “seeking information” poster with a call for tips from the public for more information on Hodgkinson.
Individuals who have information should call the FBI 24-hour access line at 1-800-CALL-FBI and select option 1.