A Tyson Foods employee was among the victims in a shooting at a congressional baseball practice outside Washington, D.C., and his family said Wednesday afternoon that he remains in the intensive care unit in critical condition after surgery.
Family members of Matt Mika says he suffered multiple gunshot wounds when a gunman opened fire, injuring a congressman and others.
His family said in a statement late Wednesday that they expect Mika to remain hospitalized for at least several days. The family said, "We continue to be in disbelief that he would be part of this heinous attack."
Mika is is director of government relations for Springdale-based Tyson Foods' Washington, D.C., office and has worked for the company for more than six years.
Mika's family described him as "a very thoughtful, fun-loving person who is competitive and loyal; all things which contributed to his continued commitment to the Congressional Baseball Game."
He previously worked for U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg and former U.S. Rep. David Camp, both Michigan Republicans. Walberg said Mika was helping the Republican team prepare for a game against the Democrats.
The four members of Arkansas' House congressional delegation, all Republicans, were safe but horrified by the news that their colleagues and Mika were targeted by a gunman on a baseball diamond Wednesday morning.
None of the Arkansas lawmakers was attending the baseball practice in Alexandria, Va., outside the capital.
Two of the members, U.S. Reps. Steve Womack of Rogers and Rick Crawford of Jonesboro, have played in the annual congressional baseball game, but weren't slated to participate in this year's contest.
In an interview, Womack said the shooting appeared to be "a serious political hit job" and that it underscores the challenges that law enforcement face.
The baseball game, which raises money for charity, was scheduled to take place Thursday evening at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
Republican lawmakers were having their final practice on a field roughly 7 miles south of Washington.
"No place is safe anymore. We are a big target up here. We need to be mindful of that," Womack said. "There's just no possible way to provide a blanket of security that would prevent something like this from happening."
The shooting occurred at around 7:30 a.m.
U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman said he was exercising with House Speaker Paul Ryan and other lawmakers on Capitol Hill when he got the news.
"I was in the gym working out when the Speaker's security detail came in and got him. We could tell by the countenance on his face and just the fact that they came in the gym — they normally never come inside and interrupt his workout — we could tell that something was happening," the lawmaker from Hot Springs said. "It wasn't long until we found out there had been a shooting down at the baseball practice, and my heart just sank because I have so many friends that are on the team."
U.S. Rep. French Hill said on Twitter that he was at the White House when it happened.
"I am praying for my friend Steve Scalise and the other victims of this senseless attack," he wrote. "We should all be extremely grateful for Capitol Police this morning and the other first responders on the scene for their heroic work."
U.S. Sen. John Boozman said on Twitter he was praying for police and the victims.
"I'm horrified at the senseless act of violence at congressional baseball practice," he wrote.
Check back for updates and read Thursday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
Arkansas Online senior editor Gavin Lesnick and The Associated Press contributed to this story.