THE annual Congressional Baseball Game has been paused after a group of protesters stormed the ballfield.
Gameplay was stopped at Nationals Park in Washington DC after eight people rushed the field.
Police on hand tackled the protesters clad in End Fossil Fuels shirts almost immediately, according to witnesses who posted to X, formerly Twitter.
All eight people were arrested, police said.
The group showed up at the ballpark shortly before the Congressional game’s scheduled start time.
Capitol Police were aware of the planned protest, according to local ABC affiliate WJLA.
A separate group of protesters advocating for a different cause was also removed from the stands in right field, according to witnesses.
It is unclear if anyone from that group was arrested.
No injuries were reported in the commotion.
When approached for comment, Capitol Police directed The U.S. Sun to the statement released on X.
“We are proud of our officers who are working to keep everyone safe during tonight’s Congressional Baseball Game for Charity,” the statement began.
“Before the charity game, we were aware that some people planned to possibly protest. This was discussed during our planning meetings and put in our comprehensive action plan to ensure we had plenty of resources to swiftly respond.
“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 US Capitol Police.”
Gameplay resumed after the protesters were removed from the field.
This isn’t the first time the annual game has been targeted.
In 2017, a gunman opened fire on a group of Republicans gathered for practice.
Some have wondered whether the game should still be held at all.
“After what happened a few years ago. Is it safe enough to have this game?” one person questioned on X.
We are proud of our officers who are working to keep everyone safe during tonight’s Congressional Baseball Game for Charity.
US Capitol Police
Still, a lively group of Democrats and Republicans took the field to go bat-to-bat for a good cause.
The Congressional Baseball Game has been played annually since 1909.
The game’s popularity led to the 2016 formation of the Congressional Sports for Charity foundation.
Several charities in the Washington DC area benefit from the game, including the the United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund in honor of the officers who responded to the June 14, 2017 shooting during practice.
This year’s Democratic roster of over two dozen representatives included Tom Suozzi of New York, Ruben Gallego of Arizona, Pete Aguilar of California, and Jared Moskowitz of Florida.
Among those playing for the Republicans were representatives Mike Bost of Illinois, Pete Sessions of Texas, Greg Steube of Florida, and Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana.
