Local News

NCCU grad who serves with Capitol Police among those injured in Virginia shooting

A North Carolina Central University graduate was among the people injured in Wednesday's shooting at a park in Alexandria, Virginia.

Posted Updated

DURHAM, N.C. — A North Carolina Central University graduate was among the people injured in Wednesday's shooting at a park in Alexandria, Virginia.
David Bailey 
(courtesy Facebook)

David Bailey, 32, was one of the U.S. Capitol Police officers who was injured at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park at about 7 a.m. The shooting happened during a congressional baseball practice.

Bailey had been a member of the department for nine years, according to a LinkedIn account under his name. He graduated from NCCU in 2007.

Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa said during a news conference that the officers wounded are in good condition and had injuries not considered life-threatening. Deputy Chief Fred Rogers said Bailey sustained minor injuries during the incident and was released from the hospital Wednesday evening.

Rogers commended the three officers involved in the incident for their “heroic and appropriate response to protecting members of Congress.”

David Bailey
(courtesy Facebook)

In a statement, NCCU Interim Chancellor Dr. Johnson O. Akinleye said the community sends prayers to all who were impacted by the attack.

"We are especially proud of our Eagle hero...who was part of the congressional security detail and bravely put his life on the line to protect and serve the community. This example of “Truth and Service” comes as no surprise to his professors who knew him to be an engaged and empathetic student who was committed to excellence," Akinleye said.

Rachel Brooks knew Bailey from college and has stayed in touch with him.

"In addition to being a very personable individual, he was always very concerned for others," she said. "He always talked about becoming a police officer and I remember when he first shared he was working in Washington D.C. and he was so proud."

Brooks first learned on social media that Bailey was injured Wednesday morning.

"It was definitely a shock to see this and I'm definitely relieved to know he's OK," she said.

Virginia Politano, chair of the P.E. department said she was not surprised to hear Bailey called a hero.

"They said how does it feel for him to be a hero and I said, 'I would expect nothing less of him. He would be the one who would run into the situation and try to take care of it,'" Politano said.

David Nass, another one of Bailey's professors, said he was the type of student who "stood out."

David Bailey
(courtesy Facebook)

"Some of these individuals just have something more in them to protect others, and that is apparently David Bailey," Nass said.

In total, five people were injured including Rep. Steve Scalise, a top House Republican.

The assailant has been identified as James T. Hodgkinson.

Bailey earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. His extracurricular activities included membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and participation in Student Government Association.

 Credits 

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.