A demonstration at the Congressional Baseball Game led to the arrest of eight climate protesters who stormed the field during the charity event on Wednesday.
As the second inning unfolded, a group of demonstrators wearing “END FOSSIL FUELS” shirts jumped the fence at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., and were quickly tackled and detained by security, ABC News reported.
The group Climate Defiance took responsibility for the protest, sharing videos of members rushing the field and criticizing the “Chevron-sponsored” event.
Play is interrupted as climate protesters jump onto the field. Capitol Police immediately tackle them. #CBG24 pic.twitter.com/sDWiV9Xwd9
— Nathaniel Rakich (@baseballot) June 12, 2024
“The eight people are being charged with federal charges – Interference with a Member of the U.S. Capitol Police,” authorities said in a statement.
Amid the disruption, the crowd could be heard chanting “USA!” to drown out the chants of the protesters.
Capitol Police just tackled and arrested several people running onto the field during the congressional baseball game: pic.twitter.com/43sforwxCi
— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) June 12, 2024
Prior to the game, members of Climate Defiance demonstrated outside the stadium, and Capitol Police said they’d anticipated potential disruptions during the event.
As the game was getting underway, pro-Palestinian protesters also demonstrated against U.S. support for Israel, but the activities were contained to the stands.
Some chants even came during the playing of the National Anthem, with security later seen escorting some people out of the stadium.
The Congressional Baseball Game, a tradition since 1909, raises money for D.C.-area charities and features members of Congress from both parties.
A shooting incident during a practice session with Republican lawmakers in 2017 resulted in then-House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and Capitol Police Officer Crystal Griner being wounded by a lone gunman.
