Scalise's condition after shooting 'more difficult' than thought: Trump

After visiting Steve Scalise, the majority whip who was shot when a gunman opened fire during a congressional Republican baseball practice in Virginia, President Donald Trump admitted that the congressman was in a "more difficult" condition than was initially realized.

Scalise was struck in the left hip by the gunman and collapsed on the field, according to witnesses. They said Scalise dragged himself from the infield as the shooting continued.

The senior Republican suffered extensive injuries and was in critical condition on Wednesday night.

The President and his wife, Melania, paid a visit to Scalise in the hospital, arriving with two large bouquets of white flowers. Trump sat by the bedside of the wounded congressman and spoke with his doctors and wife, Jennifer, for 15 minutes, reports the Guardian.

"It's been much more difficult than people even thought at the time. He's in some trouble. But he's a great fighter and he's going to be ok, we hope." Trump said in remarks at the White House on Thursday.

The bullet struck Scalise in the hip, and traveled across his body, shattering bones and passing through internal organs, causing major internal bleeding. Doctors immediately performed surgery, but additional operations will be required, the hospital said in the late-night statement.

The gunman, identified by authorities as James Hodgkinson, died of wounds he sustained during a shootout with police.