Gun used in Scalise shooting was legally purchased assault rifle, sources say

James T. Hodgkinson shot four people on Wednesday, including Rep. Steve Scalise.

ByABC News
June 15, 2017, 7:24 AM

— -- The firearms recovered from the alleged attacker in Wednesday's shooting at an Alexandria, Virginia, baseball field that left House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and several others injured were purchased legally, according to multiple law enforcement sources.

While James T. Hodgkinson, the alleged shooter, reportedly had several previous run-ins with the law, because he had no felony convictions, he was able to purchase the weapons legally.

Sources told ABC News that the primary weapon used in shooting was an SKS 7.62 assault-style rifle. Authorities also recovered a Smith and Wesson 9 mm pistol, though it was not clear if it was used in the attack.

After Hodgkinson opened fire Wednesday morning at a GOP congressional baseball practice, he was shot by Capitol Police on the scene and subsequently died of his injuries.

The suspect, who also owned a shotgun, is believed to have obtained a permit to carry a concealed weapon in approximately the last two months.