Before Shooting GOP Rep In Alexandria, Man Asked 'Are Those Republicans or Democrats Out There?'

Rep. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) described a "very strange" encounter with a man shortly before House Majority Whip Steve Scalise was shot during a congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Va.

Scalise was shot in the hip and some of his security team members were also reportedly wounded.

Rep. DeSantis who at baseball practice recalls: “A guy...walked up to us that was asking whether it was Republicans or Democrats out there.” pic.twitter.com/GwozCPRdve

— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 14, 2017

DeSantis said by phone that he and another congressman were leaving when a man asked them whether Republican or Democrat members of Congress were on the field.

"I was kind of a little odd," he said.

DeSantis said the man wasn't carrying anything at that time, but then a few minutes later, the shooting started.

.@RandPaul gives eyewitness account of shooting: There was probably a burst of 50 to 60 shots. https://t.co/IWK3lMrx2v pic.twitter.com/EB6zBtLL1R

— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 14, 2017

Rep. Mo Brooks describes chaotic scene at congressional baseball practice shooting pic.twitter.com/2uDt5pAKg9

— Grabien (@GrabienMedia) June 14, 2017

UPDATE: Suspect is in custody and not a threat. PIO will be onscene shortly to share updates.

— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) June 14, 2017