Rep. Steve Scalise Honors Howard County Native Who Saved His Life Two Years After Congressional Baseball Practice Attack

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Two years after the Congressional baseball practice attack that injured House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, the congressman is honoring the officer who saved his life.

Special Agent Crystal Griner- a Howard County native- met with the congressman at the congressional baseball practice for 2019's summer game.

Griner graduated from Mount Hebron High School in Howard County and played college basketball at Hood College. She currently lives in Gwyn Oak.

Scalise posted a video on Twitter that said when he thinks back to June 14, 2017, he does not think about the gunman. He thinks about the heroes and miracles who saved his life.

"I think about the heroes when I think about June 14, 2017. This morning, I was honored to welcome one of those heroes- Speical Agent Crystal Griner- back to the field at our #CongressionalBaseballGame practice. We'll be forever grateful for the courageous action of Capitol Police," Scalise said.

Griner works for the United States Capitol Police and was one of the five officers honored last year with a Medal of Valor who "ran toward the threat and stopped it" two years ago at the practice.

Since the shooting, Griner has been recognized for her service, throwing out the first pitch at this softball game, and honored with a Medal of Valor for running toward and ultimately stopping the gunman.

"We're all proud that the best of law enforcement was on display that day," Scalise said. "Thank you for your service, thank you for your sacrifices and we're glad you're back."

Scalise and four other people were injured June 14, 2017, when a gunman opened fire on a Republican baseball practice in nearby Alexandria, Virginia. U.S. Capitol Police and other officers returned fire and killed the gunman. The rifle-wielding attacker had nursed grievances against President Donald Trump and the GOP.

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