Congressional Republicans returned to baseball practice at the same Virginia ballpark that a gunman turned into a war zone and nearly killed Rep. Steve Scalise less than a year ago, CNN reports.
Only this time, they practiced at Simpson Field in Alexandria under heavy security, CNN reports.
"This baseball field, I think it epitomizes what makes America great," team manager and Texas Rep. Joe Barton told CNN. "I'm very proud of the team, I'm proud of the resiliency they exhibited last year and I'm proud of how they have responded."
Scalise, of course, was not there, still recovering from a near-fatal gunshot that required yet another surgery last week.
"It is so important that we continue to maintain the same tradition," Scalise, R-Louisiana, said in a statement read by Barton, CNN reported.
"Most years we compete for starting positions and rekindle old relationships. This year's different: the whole country is watching with pride as we come together and prove that one act of madness will not tear the spirit of camaraderie and philanthropy that has made this such a strong institution of Congress."
It was Scalise's security detail — afforded to the whip as part of House leadership — that first responded to neutralize gunman James Hodgkinson, who died in the exchange with police.
This year's charity game against the Democrats will be held June 14, on the one-year anniversary of the shooting.
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