- The San Diego Padres’ game at the home of the Washington Nationals was called off due to a shooting outside the stadium.
- The shooting between people traveling in two cars left three injured.
- Gunshots echoed inside the stadium, causing some chaos as the game was played.
The Washington Nationals’ baseball game against the San Diego Padres on Saturday night was suspended due to a shooting outside the stadium that has injured three, according to Washington police.
Two of the wounded would be involved in the shooting itself and the third wound is a woman who attended the game, whose life is not in danger, according to Ashan Benedict, deputy chief of the Washington police, reported tonight.
Shooting outside Washington Nationals stadium
Although it occurred in the immediate vicinity, the shooting echoed within the stadium and caused some chaos as the game was played. The assistants tried to take cover; Several fans invaded the dugout in search of protection and others took to the streets.
Many of those videos that reflect the chaos of the moment were broadcast on social networks. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. and began between two vehicles located in the vicinity of the stadium, Benedict explained to the press.
One of the cars was intercepted
Both cars they fled the area, but one of them was intercepted by the police and its two occupants, wounded, are being treated at a hospital for later questioning. Police are investigating the incident, but assures that “there is no active threat at this time.”
“It was a chaotic scene,” umpire chief Mark Carlson told The Associated Press. “We heard what sounded like gunshots. We didn’t know where they came from ”. About thirty policemen, vehicles, ambulances and fire trucks were on the street near Nationals Park, on the side of the anteroom. A helicopter flew over the stadium.
Fan videos recorded the chaos
The Washington Nationals themselves confirmed the shooting on Twitter after videos recorded by party goers circulated on social media showing people running, as well as hearing what appeared to be multiple shots.
As soon as the match organizers learned what was happening, the players left the field and the spectators tried to take cover, according to the images published on social networks. click here to watch the VIDEO.
Spectators invaded the field
According to The Washington Post, when the stadium’s public address system reported the incident, some frightened spectators ran to the center of the field because they believed they would be safe there, but the security guards immediately sent them back to the stands.
At first, on stadium screens, spectators were asked to stay inside the stadium; but, as soon as it was safe, they were able to start leaving the premises. Around 22.20 local time, there was no one left inside the stadium
The game will resume on Sunday
In a statement released on Twitter, the Washington Nationals reported that the game had been suspended and will resume on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. at the same stadium, according to the EFE cable.
The head of security for the Washington Nationals, Scott Fear, stressed that at no time was there anyone inside the stadium with weapons and the event occurred outside, and stressed the collaboration with the police that allowed to maintain security inside the enclosure.
It was an isolated incident
For his part, Security Councilor Chris Gilbert insisted that this has been an isolated incident and assured that fans can return to the stadium when the game resumes tomorrow, without any fear.
The shooting comes as Washington, like many other cities in the United States, faces a growing number of violent crimes, including homicides. A 6-year-old girl was killed and five people were injured Friday night during a shooting about three miles (five kilometers) from Nationals Park.
Witnesses recount moments of confusion and panic
Ted Borenstein, 26, attended the game with his girlfriend, who was celebrating her birthday, and with his best friend. He said the three were “having a good time” when they heard two detonations. He related that his first impression was that a fireworks show was being rehearsed.
However, he realized later that the matter was serious, when the people in the stands began to flee. Then he watched as Fernando Tatis Jr., the Padres’ star shortstop, “came off the field like a bolt.”
“People threw themselves to the ground and froze”
At the stadium’s Diamond Club, where Borenstein and his friends were chatting, people hid under tables and chairs, thinking there was an armed attacker inside the park. “People threw themselves to the ground and froze.”
“Some were trying to calm the children,” he added. “I was surprised and scared.” Arman Ramnath, 27, of nearby Arlington, Virginia, said he and a friend were sitting on the side of third base at the stadium when they heard what looked like fireworks.
Padres leading 8-4 when play was interrupted play
“We weren’t sure what it was. Then they all started to crouch down, ”Ramnath recounted. The Padres were leading 8-4 when play was interrupted. It will resume on Sunday afternoon, followed by the match that was scheduled for Sunday.
Tatis had four hits for San Diego, while player Ryan Zimmerman hit a home run for Washington. “I hope everyone is doing well!” Tatis said through her Twitter account. With information from AP and EFE.