More On: Congressional Baseball Game
Climate protesters arrested outside Congressional Baseball Game in Washington, D.C.
Climate protestors were detained Thursday night during the 87th annual Congressional Baseball Game and fundraiser in Washington DC after attempting to block the entry to Nationals Park.
According to the DC Metropolitan Police Department, three protestors were arrested for unlawful entry into the stadium after dozens of people blocked the entrance.
Several groups that organized the protest outside the stadium held signs that said, "This is a climate emergency."
According to the Washington Post, protesters moved to the front of the stadium's center field gate just before the first pitch of the game to prevent fans from entering.
A police line was established to separate the crowd from the protesters. When two people crossed the border, they were held. A third demonstrator was later detained. The disruption had no discernible impact on the attendees or the event.
According to WaPo, demonstrators expressed support for, but skepticism about, a compromise made on Wednesday by West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on legislation that would spend heavily on energy and climate issues while taxing upper earnings and huge corporations.
Protesters inside the stadium hoisted a giant banner from the upper deck that read, "They play baseball while the world burns."
US Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger informed Fox News in a statement that his force is "aware that activists are planned to protest political concerns at the Congressional Baseball Game for Charity." Our goal is to protect Members of Congress during this family occasion, so we have put in place a strong security plan."
The inaugural Congressional Baseball Game was conducted in 1909, and it has been held annually since since, with brief interruptions during the Great Depression and both World Wars.
Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA) took the mound for the Democrats, who were playing at home on Thursday night. He squared up against Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL), who was representing the Republicans on the hill.
Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), who was shot by a left-wing zealot who opened fire on a GOP team baseball practice in Virginia in June 2017, led the GOP off to a standing ovation. The attacker shot at least 50 rounds towards the field from behind the third-base dugout, injuring three more.
Historically, the Republicans have won 42 games to the Democrats' 41.
=========
