Local congressional leaders react after shooting at congressional baseball game practice in Virginia

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- As difficult as it is to fathom someone opening fire during a Congressional baseball practice, the incident was quite the wakeup call for all elected officials.

California House Representative and Hanford native David Valadao had previously been part of the same GOP team that was attacked Wednesday morning.

"There's a reason why we've got so much security around the capitol, and I've been here for a different number of events back here. So you always have that in the back of your mind that there are people out there that want to do us harm or just anybody harm," said Rep. David Valadao, (R) Hanford.

Officials said the gunman got off at least 50 shots before he was killed. The House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and four others were injured-- but it could've been much worse if not for the heroic efforts by the Capitol Hill Police who returned fire with the shooter.

"If they would not had been there clearly we would have been in a very mournful capacity today, with many of my colleagues that would've been subject-- I think-- of an assassination and who knows how many others would've been wounded-- that's just the reality of it," said Jim Costa, (D) Fresno.

Members of Congress do not usually get the type of security protection the President or Vice President do, but Costa said in light of Wednesday's attack he will not stop making public appearances.

"I was at the Merced County Fair last Saturday and Sunday, I was at the Portuguese Celebration in Los Banos, and my job is to be with my constituents to be available to hear their concerns and to be accessible."

"We're always cautious, but a situation like this, it still is pretty surprising," said Valadao.

The charity baseball game is scheduled to go on as planned Thursday night.

Congressman Costa told us he has attended the charity event many times over the years and plans to be there again to show support for his colleagues.