Several arrests were made at the Congressional Baseball Game for Charity on Wednesday night after climate change protesters stormed the field at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. The annual game, which features Democrats and Republicans from the House of Representatives and the Senate, raises money for local charities in the D.C. area.
Protesters chanted and held signs reading “Stop playing games with our future” and wore shirts emblazoned with “End Fossil Fuels” as they entered the field. The group Climate Defiance claimed responsibility for the protest in a tweet on X.
Congressional Baseball Game descends into chaos after protesters storm field. (1 minute) A group known as Climate Defiance took credit for the display in a tweet on X. pic.twitter.com/KXRAQiq6ZH
— WarOfIdeas (@WarOfIdeas_) June 14, 2024
“Update: Eight of us have been arrested for shutting down the Congressional Baseball Game. They are behind bars now. Make no mistake: It’s the Members of Congress who should be locked up,” the group tweeted. They further boasted about their mission and the disruption they caused, stating, “We have taken the field at the Congressional Baseball Game + play has FROZEN! Congress sends billions of public $$ to subsidize deadly fossil fuels — but the police are tackling us instead. This Chevron-sponsored game cannot continue. This is unconscionable.”
The U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) quickly intervened, escorting the demonstrators out of the stadium and allowing the game to resume. The USCP confirmed that eight people were arrested, stating on X, “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.”
Protestors jumped the wall at the Congressional Baseball Game then several other protestors who stood up in section 136 with Palestinian flags. Republicans replied by booing and chanting “USA!” and “F- Hamas” pic.twitter.com/6721qebzvn
— Danielle (Fife) Kocher (@kocher_danielle) June 13, 2024
Additionally, a small group of anti-Israel protesters were spotted in the crowd. They unfurled a “Free Palestine” banner and a Palestinian flag in the right field section near the foul post, prompting boos from other spectators.
This is not the first time the Congressional Baseball Game has encountered controversy. In recent years, the event has gained more attention, particularly after a gunman opened fire on Republicans during a practice session in 2017.
Pandemonium at the Congressional Baseball Game at Nats Park, after at least 7 attendees jumped onto the field and were almost immediately tackled by Capitol police and stadium security.
Wearing shirts that said “END FOSSIL FUELS”
Appears no members were hurt. pic.twitter.com/nnkSPiaWoi
— Nathaniel Reed (@ReedReports) June 12, 2024
The Congressional Baseball Game, a tradition since 1909, continues to be a notable event in Washington, D.C., balancing its charitable mission with the political and social issues of the times.