Story highlights Scalise, the third-ranking GOP leader in the House, "continues to show signs of improvement," the hospital said

The congressman arrived at the hospital "in critical condition with an imminent risk of death," his doctor said

(CNN) Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise's condition has been upgraded to "serious" after he underwent surgery Saturday for injuries sustained in a shooting at a Republican congressional baseball practice earlier this week, the hospital treating him said in a release.

Scalise, the third-ranking GOP leader in the House, "continues to show signs of improvement," MedStar Washington Hospital Center said in a statement released on behalf of his family. "He is more responsive, and is speaking with his loved ones. The Scalise family greatly appreciates the outpouring of thoughts and prayers."

Scalise, Tyson Foods lobbyist Matt Mika, congressional aide Zach Barth and US Capitol Police officer Crystal Griner were shot during an attack on the Republican congressional baseball team as it practiced Wednesday morning. Capitol Police officer David Bailey and Texas Rep. Roger Williams were also injured during the incident.

The gunman, identified by law enforcement officials as 66-year-old James Hodgkinson of Belleville, Illinois, later died from injuries sustained during a shootout with police on the scene.

Although Scalise was able to talk while lying injured on the ball field, he had gone into shock by the time he was transported by helicopter to the hospital and arrived "in critical condition with an imminent risk of death," Sava said. He added that Scalise would be in the hospital "for some time" and would need "a period of healing and rehabilitation" after being discharged.

Read More