Scalise congratulates police officers for receiving Medal of Valor

Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) congratulated two Capitol Police officers and three Alexandria police officers on receiving the Medal of Valor for helping stop the June shooting that left the lawmaker and four others injured.

In a statement released Thursday, Scalise praised the five officers for receiving the nation’s highest honor for public safety officials, and he thanked them for their actions.

“The Medal of Valor is the highest national award a public safety officer can receive, and is given to those who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, to save or protect human life,” Scalise wrote. “I cannot think of a group of individuals more deserving of this award than Special Agents David Bailey, Crystal Griner, and Officers Nicole Battaglia, Kevin Jobe, and Alexander Jensen.”

In June, Scalise and four others, including the two Capitol Police officers, were injured when a gunman opened fire at a Republican practice for the Congressional Baseball Game.

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The statement also singles out the injured Capitol Police officers, David Bailey and Crystal Griner, who were on Scalise’s security detail.

“I am especially grateful to Crystal and David, who I have been blessed to have by my side day in and day out in my job as Majority Whip. I would not be here today without the bravery of Crystal and David. They saved my life, and are my heroes,” Scalise wrote.

“Everyone who was at the ballpark that morning owes their lives to the selfless and brave actions of these heroes, and I cannot thank them enough.”

Scalise, who was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday, also thanked both President Trump for recognizing the officers with the award and law enforcement officers around the country.

“I am thankful to President Trump for recognizing their heroism with this highest honor, and am grateful to all of the men and women in law enforcement who risk their lives to preserve our safety each and every day,” he wrote.

“Congratulations to David, Crystal, Nicole, Kevin, and Alexander.”