ALEXANDRIA, Va. – There was a large community out pour of support for the victims of the Alexandria shooting that injured five people Wednesday morning.
In the streets of Alexandria, around where the shooting happened near 400 E. Monroe, dozens of people with Team Red, White and Blue, a local community group that generally supports veterans, ran and walked more than three miles near the area of the shooting, wearing patriotic colors. Several members proudly waved large American flags.
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"Regardless of where we are--whether it be Alexandria, Cleveland, Dallas, Houston or Seattle--we are still Americans," said Devin Ruick with Team RWB, holding his flag.
On Wednesday around 7 a.m, a lone gunman opened fire at the baseball field that Eugene Simpson Stadium Park. Capitol Police said the shooter was 66-year-old James Hodgkinson of Belleview, Illinois. Witnesses say there were dozens or rounds fired.
Less than a mile away that same night, Lena's Wood-fired Pizza and Tap organized a benefit to help the families of those who were hurt. Twenty percent of the proceeds Wednesday night went toward helping the victims and their families.
"We want to let them know we appreciate their support and that we want to thank them back," said general manager Freddy Lopez. "It's a tragedy to see a tragedy like this occur today for a neighborhood that's such a peaceful one."
Lopez said when the small business opened a couple years ago, it depended on the support of the community. He said the business wants to pay it forward. Managers say there were more than 300 people who attended. It's a push for unity on all fronts. On Capitol Hill, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee shared concern over her colleagues.
"Now more than ever--we have to show resolved, resiliency, unity -- The voice of the congress tomorrow will be immensely special," said Jackson Lee. "You think about those things. You think about people fighting for each other symbolizing what it is to work together.'"