Anti-Israel protesters screamed as they signed the national anthem before a group of climate change activists were accosted by police as they rushed onto the field Wednesday during the annual Congressional Baseball Game in Washington, D.C. DC.
The handful of anti-Israel hecklers unfurled banners and chanted “Free Palestine” and “You are financing a genocide” from the third row of seats at Nationals Park, near the Democratic dugout, before the game began.
The crowd responded to the disturbance by chanting “USA! UNITED STATES!” as the anthem was played.
A group of at least four Capitol Police officers could be seen standing near the protest, respecting the chant of the “Star-Spangled Banner” before moving on.
Officers escorted unruly participants from their seats shortly after the conclusion of the national anthem.
In the second inning, with House Republicans holding a 4-2 lead over House Democrats, a larger group of eight climate change protesters stormed the field.
The police quickly came out of the left field bullpen and several other parts of the stadium and attacked the protesters, all of whom were wearing matching “End Fossil Fuel” T-shirts.
The radical group Climate Defiance claims to have organized the disruptions, which appeared to force contractors off the field for a brief period.
The crowd, once again, could be heard chanting “USA! » UNITED STATES!” During the momentary disruption.
The field runners face federal charges, according to Capitol Police.
“When eight people attempted to protest on the grounds, our officers quickly stopped and arrested them,” USCP written the. “All eight people face federal charges.”
Capitol Police said they were aware that “some people were planning to potentially protest” during the charity game and had a “comprehensive action plan” ready to ensure a quick response.
In 2017, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) was shot and killed by a left-wing extremist at a YMCA diamond practice field in Alexandria, Virginia, a day before that game’s edition. that year.
The Republicans hold an overall advantage over the Democrats in the series by three games, with a record of 45-42-1.