Nationals-Padres game suspended after shooting outside of Nats Park

Originally posted on DC Sports King | By King Motley | Last updated 7/17/21

The MLB game between the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres was suspended after shots were fired outside the third base gate of Nationals Park in Washington, DC.

DC Police Department responded to two people being shot on the street adjacent to the ballpark.

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

Two additional people walked into an area hospital suffering from gunshot wounds, Metropolitan Police Department announced.

According to Sam Fortier of the Washington Post, the situation appeared to be a drive-by shooting, as authorities surrounded the alleged victim’s car.

Full scene. Police are now lining up on South Capitol, and they seem to be corralling eye witnesses to the situation. The shooting occurred directly outside the 3B gate to Nats Park, at the intersection of SoCap and O St SW. pic.twitter.com/uT6L81tnmG
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) July 18, 2021

The incident occurred in the middle of the sixth inning as Nationals were leaving the field to bat in the bottom frame. Fans were seen running onto the field from the left field section of stands. Some of those fans tried to take cover inside both the team’s dugouts. The whole ordeal made for a scary scene.

You can hear the gunshots here.. pic.twitter.com/D6hBt17gCC
— OPT (@OnePursuitTakes) July 18, 2021

Scene inside Nats Park: pic.twitter.com/O4jEh7mLqw
— Ted Starkey (@TedStarkey) July 18, 2021

Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado of the Padres reportedly helped some fans get into the dugout area for safety.

Tatis and Machado let fans into the dugout for safety https://t.co/wMZgbJXanu
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) July 18, 2021

The Nationals initially announced to fans to stay calm and remain inside the ballpark for an active shooter outside the stadium. However, shortly afterwards the club instructed fans to exit the ballpark calmly through the right and center field gates.

The game will be resumed Sunday at 1:05 pm with the Padres leading the Nationals 8-4.

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

This article first appeared on DC Sports King and was syndicated with permission.

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