Rep. Williams says staffer injured in Virginia shooting

HOUSTON – Rep. Roger Williams, of Austin, said a staffer was injured Wednesday during the shooting at a congressional baseball practice in Virginia.

Authorities said several people were injured when a gunman opened fire just after 7 a.m. at the baseball field where several Republican members of Congress were practicing for the upcoming game. NBC News reported that House Majority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise, of Louisiana, was among those who were hurt. The gunman died after being shot by police, authorities said.

Five members of the Texas delegation are listed on the team’s roster: Republican Reps. Joe Barton, of Ennis; Kevin Brady, of The Woodlands; Mike Conaway, of Midway; and Roger Williams, of Austin; and Democratic Rep. Marc Veasey, of Fort Worth.

Williams, who has been the coach of the team since 2013, said in a statement that he was not wounded but a member of his staff, who he identified as Zack Barth, was injured. He said Barth works as a legislative correspondent.

Williams tweeted that Barth is doing well and is expected to make a full recovery.

Barton, in an interview with NBC News, said he and his two sons ducked for cover when the shooting started. The congressman and his children appeared to be shaken but unharmed.

“I just want to thank the security detail because they saved our lives,” Barton said.

VIDEO: Conaway recounts shooting

Conaway was also seen unharmed in an interview with NBC News. He said he helped police track down the gunman.

"I'm out behind the fence trying to help the Capitol Hill police engage or spot the guy because he's moving back and forth, (and) they don't necessarily see where he's at," Conaway said.

A spokesman for Brady said the congressman had left the baseball field just before the shooting and was not injured. In a statement, he expressed gratitude to security officers.

"The quick action of Majority Whip Steve Scalise’s protection detail saved many lives this morning," Brady said in a written statement. "I am so grateful for the heroic action of the Capitol Hill Police Force protection detail and pray for the full recovery of my roommate Congressman Steve Scalise and others wounded this morning."

Ellen Barth spent last weekend with her brother, Zack Barth, on a sibling trip to see the musical “Hamilton” in Chicago.

On Wednesday morning, she and her family in Houston, got the call that her brother had been shot.

"He heard a loud pop. Which obviously was the first gunshot. He heard someone yell, ‘Run.’ Then he ran towards the dugout. Got on the ground, felt himself get shot. And then from there, he heard rapid fire, shots in succession,” Ellen Barth said.

Zack Barth was playing baseball with his boss, Texas Congressman Roger Williams (R) District 25 when Zack was shot in the calf.

"He did say the gunman did aim directly at him. And he knew he needed to get up and move," family friend, Cindy Stone said.

She said Zack Barth took cover in the dugout.

Texas Congressman Joe Barton (R) District 6 said his young son was in the dugout and was shielded from the gunfire.

"Our Capitol police immediately began to return fire and Alexandria police also came and began to return fire. They shot, and I think the security detail saved a lot of lives because they attacked the shooter. The heroes are the Capitol Hill police, Alexandria police and Steve Scalise's security detail," Barton said.

Veasey tweeted that his thoughts and prayers are with those who were attacked.

The Congressional Baseball Game has been an annual tradition between the Democrats and Republicans since 1909. This year’s game was scheduled to take place Thursday.

Stay with KPRC 2 and Click2Houston.com for the latest on this developing story.