GOP Beats Dems In Congressional Baseball Game
At the Congressional Baseball Game for Charity on Wednesday night, climate change protesters disrupted the event at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., leading to several arrests. The annual game, featuring Democrats and Republicans from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, raises money for local charities in the D.C. area.
Half way through the Congressional Baseball Game, with Republicans currently holding an 11-8 lead over Dems. Anti-fossil Fuel and pro-Palestine protests have interrupted what’s been an expectantly friendly bipartisan game. pic.twitter.com/110NnMsKsF
— Alex Cunningham (@A_Cunningham03) June 13, 2024
The disruption occurred when a group of protesters stormed the field, chanting and holding signs with messages like "Stop playing games with our future" and wearing shirts emblazoned with "End Fossil Fuels." This demonstration was claimed by the activist group Climate Defiance, which took to social media to announce its involvement.
Capitol Police ring the outfield at the Congressional Baseball game. It’s a shame that this is needed. We are better than this. The left-wing protestors do more to hurt their cause with this stupidity. pic.twitter.com/OBdFYgVSTm
— Rep. Don Bacon ✈️️⭐️ (@RepDonBacon) June 13, 2024
"Update: Eight of us have been arrested for shutting down the Congressional Baseball Game. They are behind bars now. Make no mistake: It's the Members of Congress who should be locked up," the group tweeted on X. They also criticized the game’s sponsorship and its connection to fossil fuel interests, stating, "We have taken the field at the Congressional Baseball Game + play has FROZEN! Congress sends billions of public $$ to subsidize deadly fossil fuels — but the police are tackling us instead. This Chevron-sponsored game cannot continue. This is unconscionable."
Republicans defeated the Democrats 31 -11 in a high-scoring game that was interrupted by protesters, at the annual Congressional Baseball Game at Nationals Park Stadium which was first played in 1909. : @kentnish pic.twitter.com/lzOhRlUlLp
— Getty Images News (@GettyImagesNews) June 13, 2024
U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) quickly responded to the scene, escorting the demonstrators off the field and allowing the game to resume. The USCP confirmed the arrest of eight individuals, who face federal charges for interference with a member of the U.S. Capitol Police. In a statement on X, the USCP praised their officers' swift actions: "We are proud of our officers who are working to keep everyone safe during tonight’s Congressional Baseball Game for Charity. 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 U.S. Capitol Police."
Left wing protestors get clobbered at the Congressional baseball game when they try to storm the field pic.twitter.com/c6pwuRY04R
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) June 13, 2024
Additionally, a small group of anti-Israel protesters were observed in the stands, unfurling a "Free Palestine" banner and a Palestinian flag in the right field section near the foul post. This display was met with boos from other attendees.
Pandemonium at the Congressional Baseball Game at Nats Park, after at least 7 attendees jumped onto the field and were almost immediately tackled by Capitol police and stadium security.
Wearing shirts that said “END FOSSIL FUELS”
Appears no members were hurt. pic.twitter.com/nnkSPiaWoi
— Nathaniel Reed (@ReedReports) June 12, 2024
The Congressional Baseball Game, a tradition dating back to 1909, has seen its share of controversies over the years. The most notable incident occurred in 2017 when a gunman opened fire on Republicans during a practice session, significantly increasing the event’s security and public attention.