President Donald Trump delivered a message of unity and determination in a video played during the annual congressional baseball game Thursday, a day after a gunman attacked Republicans during practice.
"Tonight's game has on a much deeper level of meaning beyond anything that we would have thought," Trump said. "By playing tonight, you are showing the world that we will not be intimidated by threats, acts of violence, or assaults on our democracy.
"I leave you with three great American words that for generations have torn down barriers, built bridges of unity and defied those who have sought to pull us apart," he ended. "Ladies and gentleman, let's play ball."
Trump had not planned to attend the game, citing security concerns, The Hill reported. But eldest daughter, Ivanka, was at the event, and stopped to speak with lawmakers on both sides before the game at Nationals Park in Washington began.
USCP Special Agent David Bailey, wounded in Wednesday's shooting attack in suburban Alexandria, Va., appeared on crutches to throw out the first pitch, Fox News reported.
Event organizers told Fox News the event is expected to raise more than $1 million this year, and will go to four charities: The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington, The Capitol Police fund, The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation and The Washington Literacy Center.
Roll Call, a sponsor of the annual bipartisan game, said by Thursday afternoon more than 20,000 tickets had been sold, Fox News reported.
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