The Congressional Baseball Game is typically a pretty lighthearted event where Democrat and Republican lawmakers play against each other in a matchup to raise money for charity.
But last night’s event took on a different tone.
Earlier this week, a gunman opened fire on a Republican baseball practice, critically injuring House Majority Whip Steve Scalise. Before the game, lawmakers knelt in the middle of the field and prayed together.
House chaplain, Fr Patrick Conroy, SJ, leads prayer at Congressional Baseball Game. Hope the unity carries into the Capitol. (CNS/Reuters) pic.twitter.com/l8oS3QqMHi
— Barb Fraze (@bfraze) June 16, 2017
It was a powerful moment of unity.
God bless you @SteveGarvey6 for this! Baseball, prayer & Jesus can heal what's broken. pic.twitter.com/ijoqjJCgrK
— Gina Parris (@GinaParris) June 16, 2017
President Trump addressed the crowd on the Jumbotron, saying, “By playing tonight you are showing the world that we will not be intimidated by threats, acts of violence or assaults on our democracy. The game will go on.”
#CongressionalBaseballGame⚾️ pic.twitter.com/u8InOJTf6D
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2017