Tragic: Six of Cummings Staffer's Children Killed in House Fire

Katie Malone, a longtime staffer to Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), was injured in a house fire that killed six of her children and hospitalized three others.

The children that were killed ranged in age from 9 months old to 11 years old. Two boys, aged 4 and 5, are in critical condition, while an 8-year-old girl is in good condition. According to officials, the 8-year-old is who helped the hospitalized siblings and their mother get out of the house.

“It’s a very difficult time for our office. We are a small office ... we are like a family,” Cummings tearfully told members of the press.

“I am asking that our entire community pray for my staff member, Katie Malone, and her young family. Katie has worked as a Special Assistant in my Catonsville office for nearly 11 years where she dutifully serves my constituents in the areas of immigration, postal services, and the military, including Service Academy nominations,” a statement from Cummings reads. “I am grateful to the Baltimore City Fire Department and all those who responded quickly to the devastating fire. My staff is a family and this unimaginable tragedy is shocking and heartbreaking to us all. I again ask for your prayers.”