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Michigan native injured in baseball shooting improving, family says

Posted at 4:15 PM, Jun 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-17 21:28:57-04

WASHINGTON — The Michigan native shot multiple times in his chest and arms last week during practice for a congressional baseball game has undergone multiple surgeries but is improving, family says.

The family of Matt Mika, 38, issued a statement Saturday saying they expected him to remain in the ICU through at least this weekend. But Mika’s family says his physicians remain positive.

“We want to thank the team at George Washington University Hospital for their world-class care, and we continue to be grateful beyond words for the heroic actions of the U.S. Capitol Police this week. In addition, the positive thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement from across the nation have meant the world to Matt and to all of us.”

Mika’s family said he’d been successfully community through notes and was even able to sign the game ball that used during Thursday’s bi-partisan match-up.

Mika was among several people wounded when a gunman opened fire Wednesday as a congressional baseball team practiced in Alexandria, Virginia. Police killed the gunman.

On Thursday, Mika’s family said he’d suffered “massive trauma.”

The lobbyist currently working for Tyson Foods previously attended Western Michigan University after graduating from Albion College in 2001. Mika previously worked for several Michigan lawmakers, including Republican Reps. Tim Walberg and Dave Camp.

Here is the statement from Matt Mika’s family:

“Matt has undergone additional surgery and his physicians have reported positive results. Matt will remain in the ICU through at least this weekend. He continues to communicate with us through notes, and even signed the game ball for the Congressional Baseball Game. Matt especially valued the professionalism of the officers of the Capitol Police, and would appreciate contributions to the Capitol Police Memorial Fund, one of the designated charities at Thursday night’s ballgame.

While we know there will be difficult and challenging days ahead for Matt and our family, the physicians and specialists at Matt’s side expect a full recovery. This will be our final update pending Matt’s discharge from the hospital. We again ask for your understanding and respect of our family’s privacy.”

Republican Rep. Steve Scalise was also critically injured in the shooting. Scalise, who remains in serious condition, underwent another surgery Saturday but “continues to show signs of improvement,” according to an update issued by his family.