Keeping everyone on their toes…
The annual Congressional baseball for charity game went off the rails when multiple protestors stormed the field at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
The game, which raises money for local charities in the D.C. area, features Democrats and Republicans from the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate for a friendly game of America's favorite pastime.
Climate change protesters chanted while holding signs that said “Stop playing games with our future,” and they wore shirts that said “End Fossil Fuels” before entering the field.
The U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) promptly arrived and escorted the demonstrators out, and the game resumed. The USCP confirmed eight people were arrested.
The group Climate Defiance bragged about the move on X, including a message to jail members of Congress.
“We are proud of our officers who are working to keep everyone safe during tonight's Congressional Baseball Game for Charity. When eight people tried to protest on the field, our officers quickly stopped them and arrested them. The eight people are being charged with federal charges — Interference with a Member of the U.S. Capitol Police,” Capitol Police wrote in a statement on X.
Climate Defiance wasn't alone in interrupting the night's festivities.
A small group of anti-Israel protesters were also spotted in the crowd. The group unfurled a “Free Palestine” and Palestinian flag in the right field section near the foul post.
Over the last several years, the event has drawn more attention and tighter security measures after a gunman opened fire on Republicans at a ballpark in Alexandria, Virginia in 2017. James T. Hodgkinson opened fire on congressional Republicans during a practice, a bullet struck then-House Majority Leader Steve Scalise‘s (R-La.) hip and ricocheted off his pelvis, leaving him fighting for his life with massive internal bleeding.
Five people were wounded. After exchanging fire with police, Hodgkinson was shot and died at a local hospital later that day.
READ NEXT: Biden Family Members Referred For Criminal Prosecution As Impeachment Probe Heats Up
Please allow time before your comment appears, as all comments are reviewed and subject to moderation. View our Comment Policy here.