A Washington Nationals game was stopped because of a shooting outside of Nationals Park as terrified fans hid in the dugout and fled in a panic after hearing gunshots. You can watch videos from the scene throughout this article.
“MPD is responding to a shooting in the 1500 block of South Capitol Street, SW, in which two people where shot outside of Nationals Park. This is currently an active investigation and it appears there is no ongoing threat at this time,” wrote police. The suspect, victims, and motive are not yet clear.
Police later wrote that two additional victims came into the hospital with gunshot wounds stemming from the incident.
The team confirmed there was a shooting on Twitter, writing, “A shooting has been reported outside of the Third Base Gate at Nationals Park. Fans are encouraged to exit the ballpark via the CF and RF gates at this time. We’re working with law enforcement to provide more information as soon as it becomes available.”
A shooting has been reported outside of the Third Base Gate at Nationals Park.
Fans are encouraged to exit the ballpark via the CF and RF gates at this time.
We’re working with law enforcement to provide more information as soon as it becomes available.
Some videos captured the sounds of gunfire. According to the Associated Press, the game between the San Diego Padres and the Nationals was stopped in the 6th inning.
If you listen closely as MASN is going into the commercial break, the gun shots can be heard and you can see the #Nationals players turn around as they head into the dugout as they host the #Padres
“Scary scene at Nationals Park as players run into the stands to bring their family members to the clubhouse after reports of a shooting outside the stadium,” SI MLB tweeted, sharing this video.
Scary scene at Nationals Park as players run into the stands to bring their family members to the clubhouse after reports of a shooting outside the stadium
(via @sdutKevinAcee)
One Twitter user reported “five loud bangs.”
5 loud bangs. Some people started running. Players off the field. No announcements made yet #padres #nationals
Here’s what you need to know:
People Were Ducking & Running
Not sure what the F happened but there sounded like gunshots at Nationals Park, gameplay stopped, people ducking, running. Not normal. With @Southfive.
Twitter user Matthew RJ Brodsky wrote, Not sure what the F happened but there sounded like gunshots at Nationals Park, gameplay stopped, people ducking, running. Not normal.” He shared the above video.
Active shooter situation outside @Nationals Park tonight. Thankfully safe, but definitely a scary moment. Thank you @DCPoliceDept for keeping us safe.
People took cover under seats:
Ron Filipkowski, a lawyer, wrote on Twitter, “A shooting has…just occurred outside the third base gate at the Washington Nationals game. One person was reportedly shot and the is being evacuated.” He shared video of people fleeing the stadium.
A shooting has jus just occurred outside the third base gate at the Washington Nationals game. One person was reportedly shot and the is being evacuated.
One person on Twitter described it as “unreal complete chaos.”
This is unreal complete chaos at Nats Park @Nationals
The team wrote on Twitter, “Tonight’s game has been suspended in the bottom of the 6th inning due to an incident surrounding Nationals Park. The suspended game will resume beginning at 1:05 ET and be completed as a nine-inning regulation game. Following the conclusion of the suspended game, the regularly scheduled game will begin within 25-45 minutes and will be played as a nine-inning regulation game. Tickets and parking passes for the regularly scheduled game may be used for admission to both of tomorrow’s games.”
Terrified Fans Hid in the Dugout
@granthpaulsen This was the scene in the Padres dugout
Terrified fans took refuge in the dugout. One fan wrote on Twitter, “Scary scene in Washington, DC. Players heard loud noises, apparently sounding like gunshots, and ran to grab family members to bring to safety in the clubhouse. The Nationals announced to fans via the PA system that the event occurred outside the stadium.”
Scary scene in Washington, DC. Players heard loud noises, apparently sounding like gunshots, and ran to grab family members to bring to safety in the clubhouse. The Nationals announced to fans via the PA system that the event occurred outside the stadium.
Here’s a photo of that.
@Nationals This was the scene when we ran down into the Padres dugout from section 116
Journalist Grant Paulsen tweeted, “On the phone with my wife. Her side of stadium (3rd base) heard gun shots. Major panic led to fans taking off in all directions. Swat type officers are in park now & telling fans to stay in seats. Fans are now being told whatever is happening is taking place outside of ballpark.”
Video showed people evacuating the stadium.
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