ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Michigan native was among the shooting victims Wednesday morning in Alexandria, Virginia, where an assailant opened fire at a congressional baseball practice.
Matt Mika, of Oakland County, is the current director of government relations at Tyson Foods and was at the practice Wednesday morning.
READ: Congressman Steve Scalise, 4 others shot at GOP baseball practice in Virginia
Mika previously served on congressional staff for Rep. Tim Walberg (R - MI 7th) and former Rep. Dave Camp (R - MI 4th) as well as serving on the staff of State Rep. David Palsrok.
Mika was shot multiple times and is in critical condition. He is undergoing surgery.
“Baseball is one of his great passions and he has always loved the Congressional team,” Mika’s family said in a release.
Mika has been with Tyson Foods for more than six years. He is a graduate of Adrian College.
Officials identify shooter
The gunman who fired on lawmakers at the GOP baseball practice has been identified as James T. Hodgkinson, 66.
Hodgkinson has a violent criminal history, and FBI agents said they believe he had been living out of his car in the Alexandria area since March.
He was brought down by capitol police.
Witnesses described the actions of the officers who brought down Hodgkinson as "heroic."
Update on Mika's condition
Mika's family released the following update on his condition:
"First and foremost, thanks to all who have expressed concern about Matt’s condition. We continue to be in disbelief that he would be part of this heinous attack.
"Matt suffered multiple gunshot wounds. He recently came out of surgery but remains in the ICU in critical condition and we expect him to stay there for at least several days. Our family is now here with him and we continue to ask for privacy and understanding while we focus on Matt and his recovery.
"Many have asked about Matt and what we can share about him. While the attack today was a terrible surprise, Matt’s presence on the ball field, helping longtime colleagues and friends was not. He is a very thoughtful, fun-loving person who is competitive and loyal; all things which contributed to his continued commitment to the Congressional Baseball Game."
Walberg released the following statement:
“Matt Mika was a former staff member during my first term in Congress and has remained a close friend ever since. Matt is a graduate of Adrian College, and as a former baseball player, he was volunteering at this morning’s practice to help the congressional team get ready for the game. This is deeply personal and Sue and I are praying for Matt as he receives medical attention. We are also praying and wish a speedy recovery for my friend Congressman Steve Scalise, the heroic Capitol Police officers, and everyone affected by this horrible shooting.”
Walberg said Mika was working as a volunteer at the practice to help the congressional team get ready for the game.
Rep. Dan Kildee tweeted Wednesday asking for prayers for Mika.
Please pray for Matt Mika, who is from Michigan and a former staffer on Capitol Hill. https://t.co/RE6rQybk9U
— Rep. Dan Kildee (@RepDanKildee) June 14, 2017
Michigan Congressmen describe attack
Michigan Congressmen spoke with Kimberly Gill about the attack they witnessed on the baseball field. You can listen to the details in the video posted below.
Rep. Debbie Dingell responds
Rep. Debbie Dingell spoke after lawmakers were shot at a GOP baseball practice. You can hear her comments in the video posted below: