Democrat's staffers attacked by baseball bat-wielding assailant in office just outside D.C.

A suspect wielding a baseball bat has left two staffers for Democratic Rep. Gerry Connelly in hospital after a brutal attack in his Virginia office.

The attacker, 49-year old Xuan-Kha Tran Pham, was allegedly looking for the Virginia Democrat himself, who was not present, and instead went after his staff. 

The staffers are being treated for non-life threatening injuries and the person who entered the office is now in police custody, according to a statement. 

Connolly told CNN the attacker used a metal bat and struck one senior aide in the head. The assailant hit the other aide, an intern on her first day, in the side. Fairfax City Police said another officer sustained a 'minor injury' requiring medical treatment.

Connolly said the attacker was a constituent who he does not know who caused much damage to the office - shattering glass in a conference room and breaking computers. 

'He was filled with out of control rage,' Connolly said.  

Two staffers were hospitalized after a baseball bat-weilding assailant attacked them at the district office of Rep. Gerry Connolly

The attacker was allegedly looking for the Virginia Democrat himself, who was not present, and instead went after his staff

'This morning, an individual entered my District Office armed with a baseball bat and asked for me before committing an act of violence against two members of my staff,' Connolly said in a statement. 

The district office is located in Fairfax, Va., in the Washington, D.C. suburbs. 

'Right now, our focus is on ensuring they are receiving the care they need. We are incredibly thankful to the City of Fairfax Police Department and emergency medical professionals for their quick response. I have the best team in Congress. My District Office staff make themselves available to constituents and members of the public every day,' Connolly added.  

He continued: 'The thought that someone would take advantage of my staff's accessibility to commit an act of violence is unconscionable and devastating.' 

Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries put out a statement of support: 

'Earlier today, I spoke to Congressman Connolly to offer him and his staff the full support of the House Democratic Caucus family in the aftermath of this horrific attack,' he said. 

'The safety of our Members and of our staff remains of paramount importance, particularly given the increased instances of political violence in our country.'

Connolly, 73, has represented Virginia's 11th district for 14 years. He is a frequent critic of Donald Trump and Republicans.