Scalise upgraded to ‘serious’ condition

The medical condition of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., improved from critical to serious over the weekend after he successfully underwent his third surgery for a gunshot wound. Doctors at MedStar Washington Hospital said Scalise, 51, faced an imminent risk of death from his injuries. A lone gunman shot Scalise in the hip at a GOP congressional baseball practice Wednesday in Alexandria, Va., causing severe internal bleeding. MedStar said in a statement Scalise was showing signs of improvement for the first time and was awake enough to speak with his family—he even watched Lousiana State University’s College World Series baseball game Saturday. Scalise was one of five people shot at the Wednesday practice. Matt Mika, a lobbyist for Tyson Foods, also underwent surgery over the weekend. His family said he will stay in the hospital for at least the rest of the week but is expected to make a full recovery. Scalise’s timetable is less clear. Dr. Jack Sava, director of trauma at MedStar, said Scalise will undergo additional surgeries and will remain in the hospital for a “considerable period of time.”

We Sift the news so you don’t have to.