54.7 F
The Villages
Friday, March 29, 2024

Congressman gunned down by sniper greeted by adoring crowd at book signing

There were plenty of warm hugs, long embraces and friendly smiles Monday afternoon as U.S. Rep Steve Scalise – a little over a year since he was gunned down by a sniper – chatted with area residents and signed copies of his new book at Barnes & Noble in The Villages.

“Wow! This is an incredible crowd,” he said. “Seeing so many people who wanted to hug and said they were praying for me, that just is such an incredible feeling.”

Dean and Chris Barnard, of the Village of Lynnhaven, chat with Congressman Steve Scalise as he signs a copy of his new book, ‘Back in the Game: One Gunman, Countless Heroes, and the Fight for My Life,’ for them on Monday at Barnes & Noble in Lake Sumter Landing.

Scalise, of Louisiana, was shot by 66-year-old James Hodgkinson on June 14, 2017, as he and his Republican colleagues practiced for the annual Congressional Baseball Game pitting GOP lawmakers against Democrats.

Hodgkinson, a left-wing activist and supporter of Bernie Sanders, was hiding in an area behind the third-base dugout when he opened fire on the Republican baseball practice, also wounding Capitol Police Officer Crystal Griner, aide Zack Barth and lobbyist Matt Mika.

Scalise’s book, titled “Back in the Game: One Gunman, Countless Heroes, and the Fight for My Life,” shares details about the harrowing experience that almost claimed his life. In the memoir, he pays tribute to the many who helped him – the little miracles, he and wife Jennifer call them – all the way up until he returned to the baseball field a year to the day after he was shot to start at second base and throw out the first Democratic batter in the game.

“Just to be able to experience that moment was something,” he said. “God had his hand in that play and it was unbelievable.”

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise takes a selfie with the crowd in the background before signing copies of his new book, ‘Back in the Game: One Gunman, Countless Heroes, and the Fight for My Life’ on Monday afternoon at Barnes & Noble in Lake Sumter Landing.

Throughout the event, Scalise took time with each person who wanted a book signed, making small talk and asking them about their families and what it’s like to live in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown. And even though it was obvious that standing up was painful at times, Scalise smiled throughout the entire event – something he apparently does a lot of these days.

“I’m lucky to be alive,” he said. “I know how close I was to not making it and what kind of miracles had to be performed. If every single thing didn’t happen just right, I wouldn’t be here.”

Members of the crowd snap photos of U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise as he talks to them about his new book Monday afternoon at Barnes & Noble.
Toni Ruszala, of the Village of Fenney, says she and her husband, Thomas, were pulling for Congressman Steve Scalise after he was gunned down by a sniper while playing baseball in June 2017.

When the new Congress is seated in January, Scalise will be in the unfamiliar role of minority whip. But he said he’s more than ready to get started and continue the path to success that President Trump has the country traveling on. And if that means taking on likely Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, then so be it.

“We’re going to see which direction she wants to go and what her agenda is going to be,” he said. “If she wants to work with the president to keep moving the economy forward, then we’ll be there to work with her. But if she wants to go a different direction, we’ll be fighting to block anything bad from happening to reverse the success we’re seeing in our economy.”

Villagers and area residents took turns having copies of Congressman Steve Scalise’s new book, ‘Back in the Game: One Gunman, Countless Heroes, and the Fight for My Life,’ signed Monday afternoon at Barnes & Noble in Lake Sumter Landing.

As for Trump, Scalise said it’s exciting to see the country moving in the right direction with an economy stronger than many have seen in generations.

“We just cut taxes historically,” he said. “And we are literally to the point where there are more job openings than people looking for work. It’s an exciting time and I sure want to see us keep building on this. With President Trump in office, I think we can.”

Scalise said he’s also looking forward to working with his many colleagues on both sides of the aisle – the same group of people who came together and prayed for him when he was fighting to stay alive.

Minority-whip-to-be Steve Scalise recalls the moments after he was shot on a baseball field outside Washington, D.C. last year during a stop at Barnes & Noble on Monday.

“People think of Washington as just this rough-and-tumble town, and clearly some of the politics are pretty tough, but there are a lot of strong relationships you build along the way,” he said.

Scalise said he was thankful those same colleagues decided to play the Congressional baseball game after he was shot.

“That day they raised over a million and a half dollars for local charities,” he said. “But before the game started, they all – Republicans and Democrats alike – went and said a prayer at second base where I was supposed to start. I saw that picture and it just meant so much to see that kind of warmth and unity in a town that’s not really known for either of those.”

Susan and Gene Molloy, of the Village of Pine Hills, chat with Congressman Steve Scalise as he signs their book Monday afternoon at Barnes & Noble in Lake Sumter Landing.

Scalise’s kindness and from-the-heart chats clearly touched many Villagers at Monday’s book-signing event, including Thomas and Toni Ruszala, of the Village of Fenney.

“This is awesome,” Toni said. “We were pulling for him when he got shot and we’re just so glad that he’s here. It’s a miracle.”

Thomas agreed, adding that he has high admiration for Scalise and everything he’s been through.

“He’s going to be president someday,” he said.

Handshakes and hugs were aplenty on Monday afternoon when Congressman Steve Scalise visited Barnes & Noble for a book-signing event.

Jackie and Jack Farnandez, of the Village of Buttonwood, lived in the southern part of Maryland when Scalise was shot. They said they remember just like it was yesterday. And like the Ruszalas, they are big fans of the congressman.

“He gives Congress a good name,” Jack said. “It’s uplifting and it’s all positive stuff.”

Gene Molloy, of the Village of Pine Hills, said he’s looking forward to seeing Scalise in action once Congress is back in session.

“He’s going back as the minority whip and it’s going to be hard,” he said.  “But as long as he stewards the agenda, it will be a wonderful thing.”

Congressman Steve Scalise takes a selfie with a fan at Barnes & Noble during Monday’s book-signing event.
Jackie and Jack Farnandez, of the Village of Buttonwood, lived in the southern part of Maryland when Congressman Steve Scalise was shot.

Scalise is one of many high-profile authors to visit The Villages Barnes & Noble in Lake Sumter Landing during the past year. Those others include:

 Popular Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson signed copies of his book, “Ship of Fools: How a Selfish Ruling Class Is Bringing America to the Brink of Revolution,” at the store on Oct. 6.

The night before, “Fox and Friends” co-host Steve Doocy and his wife, Kathy, signed copies of their new cookbook, “The Happy Cookbook: A Celebration of the Food That Makes America Smile.” And Steve Doocy appeared in live segments during Friday’s edition of “Fox & Friends” from Lake Sumter Landing outside RJ Gator’s.

In August, Greg Gutfeld, co-host of “The Five” signed copies of “The Gutfeld Monologues: Classic Rants From The Five.” He brought in a huge crowd of fans, including an 11-year-old girl who lined up seven hours in advance to be the first to greet him.

In May, Bret Baier, host of “Special Report with Bret Baier” and chief political anchor for Fox signed copies of his new book titled: “Three Days in Moscow: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of the Soviet Empire.” His aunt, Kathy Scarito, lives in the Village of Sunset Pointe.

In December 2017, Doocy’s “Fox & Friends” co-host Brian Kilmeade was in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown to sign copies of his latest book, “Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans: The Battle That Shaped America’s Destiny.”

And in August, former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer signed copies of his new book, “The Briefing: Politics, the Press, and the President.” Spicer told the crowd of Villagers at the event that he wrote the book to “set the record straight” about Trump’s campaign and presidential victory.

The world knew we had a strong leader in Trump

A Village of Fernandina resident looks back on the record of former President Trump. Read his Letter to the Editor.

Neglect of golf course maintenance now costing us millions of dollars

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of St. Charles resident argues that neglect of golf course maintenance is now costing residents millions of dollars.

Karen says her intent has been misinterpreted

A Village of Belle Aire resident who stirred quite a discussion with a previous Letter to the Editor, follows up to say that her intent was misinterpreted.

Our amenities are being used by families with kids

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of Citrus Grove resident says she is not happy about families with kids using amenities paid for by residents.

Finally allocating funds to the golf courses!

A Village of Hadley resident said he is happy that more money is being allocated to the golf courses. Read his Letter to the Editor.