Rep. Brad Wenstrup often reflects on a specific day in his life. He was lying prone on the ground, face down in the grass, with a baseball helmet on. The deafening sounds of screaming, gunfire, and chaos surrounded him for several minutes. Once it subsided, Wenstrup quickly got to his feet and rushed to his injured colleague, GOP Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, who was a few hundred feet away. Each step he took that day in June 2017 brought back memories of his time in Iraq 12 years earlier. As a decorated combat surgeon, Wenstrup ran along the field to offer help to his colleague, picturing the patient he couldn't save 12 years ago. He hoped this time would be different. And indeed, he not only saved Scalise but also played a crucial role in preventing a political assassination.

Crime Scene and Immediate Actions

The crime scene was surrounded by tape at Eugene Simpson Field in Alexandria, Virginia, where a gunman opened fire on June 15, 2017. Wenstrup, who was elected to Congress from suburban Cincinnati in 2012, was there to treat Scalise. He saw the entry wound from the bullet but no exit wound, realizing Scalise was in serious trouble and bleeding internally. Wenstrup began applying pressure to slow the bleeding and kept Scalise alert by talking to him. Scalise had been shot in the hip, with his femur shattered and pelvis severely damaged. He recalled Wenstrup's immediate care, including applying a tourniquet with a belt and bandages to slow the blood flow until emergency responders took over. After being airlifted to George Washington University hospital for emergency surgery, Scalise spent several days unconscious but with the help of grueling rehabilitation and reconstructive surgeries, he was able to walk again.

Preparing for Retirement

With little fanfare last year, Wenstrup announced his retirement from Congress, which takes effect on January 3, 2025. In the midst of a wave of retirements among longtime members of Congress and a changing political landscape after the 2024 elections, his departure has been overlooked by some. But not by Scalise or his House colleagues. Scalise praised Wenstrup for his high integrity and respect among colleagues. He said Wenstrup could have done more in Congress but knew it was time to leave.

Impact of the Shooting

The gunman who opened fire on Scalise and his fellow Republicans was killed in an exchange of gunfire with a Capitol Police protective detail. Federal investigators determined that the gunman, James Hodgkinson, acted alone and was not connected to terrorism. He was carrying an SKS rifle and a 9 mm handgun. Wenstrup is haunted by the thought of what could have happened if Scalise and the police unit hadn't been there. He said there were 136 rounds fired and that if Scalise hadn't taken a bullet, there would have been no security detail and the gunman could have killed 20 to 30 members of Congress and staff.

Similarities to Iraq

While performing the initial emergency medical triage on Scalise, Wenstrup was reminded of similar images from 12 years earlier when he was a military doctor in Abu Ghraib, Iraq. A soldier was severely wounded and rushed to his post for surgery. The victim likely had been hit by an improvised explosive device and had internal severed arteries with a dropping blood pressure. Despite their efforts, they couldn't stop the bleeding. These memories haunted Wenstrup as he worked on Scalise. But he urged the arriving medics to rush an IV to Scalise to keep him hydrated. The flashbacks continued, but he knew this was different from the patient 12 years ago.

Political Battles

Wenstrup has engaged in some heated political battles during his congressional career. In June, his House subcommittee chaired by him held a charged hearing questioning Dr. Anthony Fauci about his response to the COVID pandemic. Wenstrup accused Fauci of running an unaccountable office. The subcommittee pursued Fauci's personal emails and held a two-day, 14-hour closed-door deposition, which Wenstrup characterized as "cordial" but pressing. Democrats accused the subcommittee of spreading misinformation.

Congressional Dynamics

Wenstrup's congressional career is ending in a uniquely toxic political environment in the House. Some of his Democratic colleagues said his departure will be a loss as he leads with his heart and cares about serving the people. But he has also had his share of political battles. Many of the other congressional Republicans from the 2017 baseball practice shooting have left, but Scalise is expected to serve another term as the House majority leader.