DURHAM One of the Capitol Police officers injured in the shooting that took place while Republican members of Congress, their staff and children practiced for a charity baseball game in Alexandria, Va., is a North Carolina Central University graduate. The university confirmed on Wednesday that David J. Bailey graduated from N.C. Central in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education, and was active in campus student government and fraternity life. NCCU Associate Vice Chancellor Ayana Hernandez said that she has heard from individuals that knew Bailey that he was a “caring individual.””The motto of this university is ‘Truth and Service’,” said Hernandez, who was reached by phone Wednesday afternoon. “And I think as the whole world saw, Mr. Bailey truly exemplified truth and service today with his bravery.” Bailey was among five individuals who were injured when James Hodgkinson opened fire on a congressional baseball practice around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. Law enforcement officers were notified that Hodgkinson asked a group of lawmakers that were leaving the practice if they were Republicans or Democrats; minutes later shots rang out.Bailey was at the field guarding House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) who was practicing with colleagues, staff, lobbyists and children.”Many lives would’ve been lost if not for the heroic actions of the two Capitol Police officers who took down the gunman, despite sustaining gunshot wounds during a very, very brutal assault,” President Donald Trump said from White House a few hours after the attack.Bailey, and fellow police officer Crystal Griner, engaged in a gunfight with the shooter, witnesses say. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), still in his “Republicans” baseball uniform, told reporters on the Hill that Bailey and Griner kept the shooter from moving forward. “We were like sitting ducks in the dugout,” Fleischmann said.Trump revealed in his press conference that Hodgkinson was shot and killed during the attack.”It is clear to me, based on eyewitness accounts, that without these heroes, Agents Bailey and Griner, many lives would have been lost,” House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) reiterated during a speech from the House floor.While it is still unclear the extent of Bailey’s injury, Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) told reporters at a press conference around 4:30pm that it was his understanding that Bailey was not shot, but had twisted his ankle during the attack. He is currently in a boot and on crutches. In a formal statement from the university, Interim Chancellor Johnson Akinleye said, “We are especially proud of our Eagle hero, NCCU alumnus and U.S. Capitol Police Officer David J. Bailey, who was part of the congressional security detail and bravely put his life on the line to protect and serve the community. This example of “Truth and Service” comes as no surprise to his professors who knew him to be an engaged and empathetic student who was committed to excellence.””We wish a speedy recovery to Officer Bailey, Congressman Steve Scalise, Officer Crystal Griner, and all others who were touched by this tragic incident,” Akinleye concluded. Updated at 4:39pm with photos provided by NCCU.Reuters News Service contributed to this article.
