It appears a gunman who shot people at a baseball practice was specifically targeting Republicans.

Five people were shot just outside Washington DC, including Congressman Steve Scalise, who has had surgery and is in recovery.

USA Today Washington correspondent Paul Singer told Rachel Smalley a charity baseball game between Republicans and Democrats is supposed to take place tomorrow night.

He said two of the Republican congressmen interacted with the gunman shortly before the shooting.

"He came up to them and said, "hey which team is this practicing," and they said oh it's the Republicans and he said "oh okay". Then the congressmen drove away ... then shots rang out."

The gunman, James Hodgkinson, 66, has been shot dead.

LISTEN ABOVE AS PAUL SINGER SPEAKS WITH RACHEL SMALLEY