A gunman opened fire at a group of Republican Congressmen practising baseball in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

Senator Todd Young tweeted, quoting a Fox News report, that House Majority Whip Steve Scalise has been hit in the 'multiple shooting'.

The suspect is believed to be in police custody.

Alexandria Police said on their official Twitter handle that an investigation has been launched.

'ALERT: APD investigating multiple shooting 400 block E Monroe St. Suspect believed in custody. Stay from area, let emergency vehicles thru (sic),' they said. -- Agencies