Former House staffer from Michigan wounded in congressional shooting
Matt Mika, who grew up and began his political career in Michigan before moving on to Washington to become a legislative aide and lobbyist for Tyson Foods, was among those wounded when a gunman opened fire as members of Congress practiced this morning for a charity baseball game.
Mika, 38, was reportedly shot in the chest. His family said in a statement that they received word he had been shot numerous times and was in critical condition. Family members were en route as he underwent surgery.
"I'm just beside myself," said Mike Duffy, athletic director at Adrian College in Michigan, where Mika received a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and political science in 2001 and played baseball and football. "A great young man — you don't find any better than him."
Duffy remembered that Mika — who went on to get a master's degree from Western Michigan University in public administration and public policy in 2004 — was not a first-string player but was still go-getter, taking on any role assigned him. He is still talking up Adrian College athletics every chance he can, Duffy said, and sending recruits back to the school.
"He's the kind of kid you put in a room with 100 people he doesn't know and he comes out knowing 101," said Duffy.
Mika's family said he grew up in Oakland County, outside Detroit, though they didn't say where.
News that Mika had been shot first came from his one-time boss, former state Rep. David Palsrok, who said he had spoken to Mika's family and that he had been shot several times in the chest.
Palsrok, who represented a west Michigan district, said Mika managed his 2002 campaign and worked for him in the state Legislature before moving to Washington, where he worked for former U.S. Rep. Dave Camp and U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, before becoming a lobbyist.
Mika's LinkedIn page indicates he worked for the American Meat Institute before moving on to Tyson Foods. The Arkansas-based company put out a statement confirming that Mika, who is director of its government relations operation in Washington, was among those shot Wednesday.
"He has been taken to a local hospital and we’re awaiting word on his condition," the statement said. "Matt has worked for Tyson Foods for more than six years and we’re deeply concerned about him and his family."
As a former college baseball player, Mika had volunteered to help practice with members of Congress as they prepared for their annual Democrats-versus-Republicans charity baseball game to be played Thursday at Nationals Park in Washington.
Walberg said Mika worked for him during his first term in office in 2007-2008.
“(He) has remained a close friend ever since," Walberg said. "He was volunteering at this morning’s practice to help the congressional team get ready for the game. This is deeply personal and Sue and I are praying for Matt as he receives medical attention. "
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