Lousiana Rep. Steve Scalise returned to the House of Representatives on Thursday to speak just over three months after he was shot by a left-wing activist during a baseball practice.
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“You have no idea how great this feels to be back here at work in the people’s House,” the House Majority Whip said. “It starts with God. When I was laying out on that ball field and I was laying down and I couldn’t move anymore, I’ll tell you what I did–I just started praying.”
Scalise was critically injured in the June 14 shooting, shattering his pelvis and requiring multiple blood transfusions and surgeries.
“Pretty much every one of those prayers was answered,” Scalise said. “The power of prayer is just not something you can underestimate. I am a living example that miracles really do happen.”
Scalise then took time to thank the Capitol Police who helped to neutralize the shooter, specifically Crystal Griner and David Bailey, his colleagues who helped him while he was lying injured on the field, his doctors at Medstar Washington Hospital, and his wife, Jennifer.
“Something else I saw firsthand — and it wasn’t a surprise to see — was the outpouring of love from you guys, my colleagues,” Scalise continued. “Both Republicans and Democrats reached out in ways and I can’t express how much it means to me, Jennifer, and my family.”
Scalise said the event changed him, but insofar as it strengthened his faith in God and helped him realize how much compassion and goodness there is in the world.
“God bless each and every one of you and God bless the United States of America,” Scalise concluded.