It was a beautiful spring morning when James T. Hodgkinson of Belleview, Illinois took shelter and targeted Majority Whip Steve Scalise and others while they practiced for Thursday's Congressional Baseball Game, an annual charity event between republicans and Democrats.
While family and friends huddled in dug outs as Hodgkinson strafed the field. Onlookers sought shelter in cars and even under them, as Hodgkinson was finally brought down and the encounter ended. When the rampage was over, five people were wounded.
James Hodgkinson was outspoken about his disdain for Trump
Hodgkinson was highly critical of President Trump and other Republican leaders. His posts across social media were angry at the turn of the election and his online persona reflected an aggressive left leaning stance. In his home town he was known for his outbursts though he never crossed the line into violence. Hodgkinson had various run ins with the law though most were minor and included issues like domestic abuse and discharge of firearms, almost all of which were dropped. Hodgkinson lived with his wife in Belleville, a suburb of St. Louis until six weeks ago. Hodgkinson was "distraught", his brother, Michael Hodgkinson recounted, over the election in November.
In some posts, Hodgkinson considered Republicans as the "Taliban of the U.S.A." As a small business owner, he ran JTH Inspections which did home inspections and air quality inspections. However the business was shut down in December 2016.
Hodgkinson reportedly lived in his van and used the Y.M.C.A. building to shower. On Wednesday morning around 7 a.m., he reportedly headed across the street to the ball field.
Bernie Sanders responds
In response to Hodgkinson working on his campaign, Bernie Sanders' said, “I am sickened by this despicable act. Let me be as clear as I can be: violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society and I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms.”
The Congressional Baseball Game is an annual charity event that has been ongoing since 1909 and was formed by former baseball player, Representative John Tener of Pennsylvania.
The event is beloved by Republicans and Democrats alike with the current score being being tied at 39 wins and one tie each according to its website.
Proceeds from the ticket sales are given to charities in Washington, D.C., including The Washington Literacy Center, The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington and the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation. The event will still be held on Thursday and donations are being accepted.
