Terrifying scene.
The Padres/Nationals game descended into chaos last night when shots rang out near the stadium during the middle of the sixth inning.
Literal gunshots outside Nationals Park as a pitcher gets checked for foreign substances
(Via @JomboyMedia) pic.twitter.com/sTp66OSBmP
— MLB Foreign Substance Checks (@StickyCheck) July 18, 2021
According to police, a shootout began between two vehicles near the 3rd base gate around 9:00pm, three people in total were injured, including one bystander.
And while there was no immediate threat to fans in the stadium, not knowing where the shots were coming from caused people to panic.
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.
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) July 18, 2021
According to the New York Post, fans were not given instructions until 5 minutes after the gunfire began.
“I saw the staff there like deer in the headlights. They didn’t know what was going on, they didn’t know what to tell us.”
“Then there was kind of a collective panic from that area in particular right outside the gate… Everyone was like ‘oh this is something that was not fireworks.’”
Fans were even seen scrambling into the dugouts to take cover.
Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. grabbed a number of fans and brought them into the dugout for shelter.
Just ended up in the Padres dugout bc of shooting. Thank you Manny Machado and @Padres pic.twitter.com/B2GaJ7Wt6V
— Alaina (@alaina1424) July 18, 2021
Other player, like Nationals pitcher Patrick Corbin took off for the concourse.
Shots fired outside Nationals Park. Many people, including Nationals SP Patrick Corbin, fled for the concourse. Many have taken shelter in bathrooms or suites. @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/BephZ0kBVO
— Nick Leimbach (@nleimbach) July 18, 2021
The Washington Nationals released a statement after the game, as police continue to investigate the incident.
The game was postponed and will resume this afternoon.
Tonight's game has been suspended due to an incident surrounding Nationals Park.
It will resume tomorrow, Sunday, July 18, at 1:05 PM ET. pic.twitter.com/PAGf0uYZ9Y
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 18, 2021
