George W. Bush on Scalise: ‘Steve is fighting hard and getting better’

Former President George W. Bush on Friday posted an Instagram message featuring a photo of him with Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), who was injured in a shooting that wounded four others Wednesday at a baseball practice.

“Last night I had a nice chat with Jennifer Scalise, who reports that Steve is fighting hard and getting better,” Bush wrote in the in the caption. “They are both staying #ScaliseStrong, and Laura and I are praying for the Congressman’s full and speedy recovery.”

A post shared by George W. Bush (@georgewbush) on Jun 16, 2017 at 10:53am PDT

Scalise first took office in 2008, Bush’s last year in office. On Wednesday, a gunman opened fire at a Republican practice for the Congressional Baseball Game, held annually for charity. The shooting injured five people, including Scalise, who remained in the hospital Friday after multiple surgeries for a gunshot wound in his hip. 

{mosads}”He remains in critical condition, but has improved in the last 24 hours,” the hospital said in a statement Thursday. “The Congressman will require additional operations, and will be in the hospital for some time. At the request of the family, we will continue to provide periodic updates.”

President Trump visited Scalise on Wednesday, and Vice President Pence visited the following day. Trump called the No. 3 House Republican a “fighter” and asked for prayers on Twitter.

“Just left hospital. Rep. Steve Scalise, one of the truly great people, is in very tough shape — but he is a real fighter. Pray for Steve!” Trump tweeted late Wednesday.

Just left hospital. Rep. Steve Scalise, one of the truly great people, is in very tough shape – but he is a real fighter. Pray for Steve!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2017