Capitol Police Ofc. Crystal Griner is here to throw the first pitch at the Congressional Women’s Softball Game! (@wusa9)
Injured Capitol Police Officer Crystal Griner threw out the first pitch at Wednesday’s Congressional Women’s Softball Game.
Griner is one of three Capitol Police officers, along with David Bailey and Henry Cabrera, who helped save many lives during the shooting at the GOP’s baseball practice in Alexandria, VA., ahead of the annual Congressional Baseball Game. Griner has been recovering from a gunshot wound that stuck her ankle and threw the pitch from a wheelchair. She had to undergo extensive restructuring of her leg, and was released from the hospital only hours before she threw our the pitch, according to Political.
The shooting occurred on June 14 and left five people, including U.S Rep. Steve Scalise and two officers, injured. The shooter, James Hodgkinson, was killed by Capitol Police. Speaker Paul Ryan praised Griner and the other officers in a statement.
“We are, as ever, awed by the tremendous bravery of the Capitol Police,” said Ryan.
Scalise’s who was in critical condition when he arrived at the hospital, was upgraded to fair condition earlier Wednesday.
Before the game, attendees held a moment of silence for everyone who was injured during the shooting, according to Politico.
The other heroic injured officer, David Bailey, threw out the first pitch at the Congressional Baseball Game held in Nationals Park.
The Congressional Women’s Softball Game began in 2009 by a group of women Members of Congress. In 2010, the Members asked the women of Washington, D.C. press corps to join the game as the opponent and a lasting rivalry was born. The Congressional Women’s Softball Game has raised more than $900 thousand for Young Survival Coalition (YSC) since the game began. YSC is an organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. They offer resources, connections and outreach so women feel supported, empowered and hopeful.