Fans at Nationals Park on Saturday began to run through gates toward the parking lots, or to run onto the field, and into the dugouts as reports of a shooting, and/or active shooter raced across phones, devices, and even the big screen.
There was chaos as people did what they could to protect themselves — that includes players.
Fans are seen running out of Nationals Park as they learn about the reports of an active shooter outside of the stadium pic.twitter.com/RLTttOQc7k
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) July 18, 2021
Players, including Fernando Tatis Jr. Just ran into stands and grabbed family members and brought them to clubhouse. pic.twitter.com/DlC1bSv3I7
— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) July 18, 2021
Fans could be seen running onto the field and into the dugouts at Nationals Park as the PA announcer tells fans to remain in the same stadium with reports of an active shooter outside pic.twitter.com/wPm4uaKdRm
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) July 18, 2021
Eventually the team advised that there was a reported shooting outside the third base gate, and advised the crowed on where to exit to avoid the situation.
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.
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 18, 2021
There are many reports that there were two people shot, and one in custody, but there is NOTHING CONFIRMED. They are only reports.
UPDATE: DC Metro saying at least 2 ppl shot outside the stadium on third base side. NOT an active shooter situation anymore. Game has been cancelled. Fans being told to now leave stadium. Was chaotic earlier but seems okay now all things considered. Thank God.
— Gunz (@TheGunzShow) July 18, 2021
Many videos shared on Twitter say the sound heard in this clip is the gunfire being picked up by the broadcast.
Nationals radio broadcast picked up the sound of the gunfire really clearly. Just horrifying. pic.twitter.com/JSqu2P4tlv
— Jesse Spector (@jessespector) July 18, 2021
This is a developing story and this post may be updated.