Scalise Weathers Another Surgery After Infection Setback

WASHINGTON — House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) underwent another surgery today after an infection dealt a setback to his recovery from a gunshot wound.

Scalise’s office said Wednesday night that he had been “readmitted to the Intensive Care Unit at MedStar Washington Hospital Center due to new concerns for infection,” with his condition downgraded to “serious.”

The congressman was gravely wounded in the June 14 attack on a Republican congressional baseball game practice, and had been moved out of the ICU on June 23.

In an update this evening, Scalise’s office said he “underwent surgery for the management of infection” earlier. “He tolerated the procedure well. He remains in serious condition. We will provide updates as appropriate.”

Tyson Foods lobbyist Matt Mike, who was shot multiple times in the chest, was released from the hospital on June 23. Capitol Police Special Agent Crystal Griner is recovering from a gunshot to the ankle.

Crystal & David are heroes & have been part of our family for years—we’re grateful for their brave & selfless actions that saved many lives. pic.twitter.com/n9SjBZIt0G

— Rep. Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) July 5, 2017

Dr. Jack Sava, director of trauma at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, told reporters days after the shooting that Scalise suffered “a single wound from a rifle, entering in the area of his left hip.”

“The bullet traveled straight across toward the other hip, in what we call a transpelvic gunshot wound. The round fragmented, and caused significant damage to bones, internal organs and blood vessels. I understand he was awake initially, but due to severe bleeding, by the time he arrived at MedSTAR by helicopter, he was in shock,” Sava said, noting that the congressman “received many units of blood transfusion for ongoing hemorrhage from multiple locations.”

Rep. Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) told a local news station that Scalise and his family were supposed to be spending the July Fourth holiday in Pigeon Forge.

“I’ve invited him to the LSU-UT football game in November and, hopefully, he’ll be well enough then,” Roe said before the news that Scalise was back in the ICU. “He’s had a very, very serious injury. (He’s) just out of bed. He’s not able to eat yet, but he is getting better.”