Saturday, July 17th 2021, 9:25 pm
A chaotic and surreal scene unfolded inside Nationals Park Saturday night during a Padres-Nationals game, as gunfire was heard. The game was stopped for the night in the bottom of the sixth inning with the Padres leading, 8-4.
The score of the game is far less important than the scene right outside the ballpark, however.
People on the scene described hearing multiple gun shots, which caused some panic in the crowd. Players from both bullpens could be seen hustling to the dugout to run down to the clubhouse.
Not only that, but players -- one person on the scene specifically said Fernando Tatis, Jr. -- were running into the stands to grab family and/or friends to bring into the clubhouse with them, as that was surely the safest place in the ballpark.
The shots appeared to come from the third-base/left-field area, though it should be noted there's very little chance anyone could get a gun through security and into the stadium.
Initially, per those on the scene, the public address announcer told fans to stay put, as the shooter was outside the park. The video board reflected this as well.
Eventually, fans were allowed to leave through the center field or right field gates only.
Initial reports indicate at least two people have been shot.
The game will resume Sunday at 1:05 p.m. ET in Nationals Park with the scheduled game for Sunday to begin shortly after the conclusion of this one.
We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
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