Gregory Korte

USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — President Trump and his wife made an unscheduled visit to a Washington hospital Wednesday night to visit Rep. Steve Scalise, the House majority whip critically wounded at a shooting in Virginia Wednesday.

The president and first lady entered the hospital shortly before 9 p.m., as aides carried two bouquets of white flowers behind them. The Trumps talked to doctors and sat at Scalise's bedside to visit with his family, including his wife Jennifer, the White House said.

The Trumps also met with injured Capitol Police Officer Crystal Griner and her wife, who received the second bouquet of flowers.

They left after half an hour, with Trump speaking to more Capitol Police officers on his way out.

"Just left hospital," Trump later reported on Twitter. "Rep. Steve Scalise, one of the truly great people, is in very tough shape — but he is a real fighter. Pray for Steve!"

Scalise underwent surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Wednesday after a man with a rifle shot him at a morning practice of the Republican congressional baseball team in Alexandria, Va.

The hospital said Scalise was shot once in the left hip, fracturing bones and causing severe bleeding. He's received several blood transfusions and is expected to need more surgeries.

Trump brought the White House physician, Navy Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, to the hospital with him, and also spoke with the hospital's medical director, Dr. Ira.

On Wednesday morning, Trump delivered a televised statement on the shooting from the White House in which he called Scalise a "patriot and a fighter."

"Congressman Scalise is a friend, and a very good friend," Trump said. "He will recover from this assault. And, Steve, I want you to know that you have the prayers not only of the entire city behind you, but of an entire nation and, frankly, the entire world. America is praying for you and America is praying for all of the victims of this terrible shooting."

Four others were also injured in the shooting, including two Capitol Police officers — Griner and David Bailey — staffer Zachary Barth and lobbyist Matt Mika. The attacker was shot by police and later died.

Spicer said Trump would not attend Thursday's congressional baseball game, which Scalise and others had been practicing for when he was shot, out of security and logistical concerns.

"While the president would like to attend the game and show his support for all of these brave public servants, he has been advised that there is not enough time to follow Secret Service protocols," he said.

Trump returned to the White House immediately after the visit.

Before visiting the hospital, Trump celebrated his 71st birthday with a family dinner at the White House, Spicer said.