Fans rush to evacuate after hearing gunfire, during a baseball game in Washiington’s National Stadium
WASHINGTON, July 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Four people were shot outside a baseball stadium crowded with thousands of spectators in the US capital on Saturday, causing the game to be abruptly halted as fans were ushered out.
Police said four people had been shot but there was “no ongoing threat,” without clarifying the condition of the gunshot victims.
Police said the situation was under control and investigation into the incident was underway.
The baseball game between Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres was suspended after the shooting incident.
The Metropolitan Police Department initially said it was responding to the incident “in which two people were shot outside of Nationals Park.”
“Two additional victims associated with this incident walked into area hospitals for treatment of gunshot wounds,” police said in a subsequent tweet.
“This is currently an active investigation and it appears there is no ongoing threat at this time,” it added.
According to preliminary information, one of the victims was an employee at the stadium, said Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson Dustin Sternbeck.
The Washington Nationals said in a statement that the game has been suspended due to an incident surrounding Nationals Park. It added that the play was expected to resume on Sunday.
More than a dozen shots were heard from outside the stadium, prompting some spectators to rush for the exits, while others ducked for cover near their seats.
Players were rushed off the field and the game was halted after the gunshots.
The crowds attending the game were later ushered out of the stadium amid sirens from more than two dozen police cars, ambulances and fire engines on the street outside the stadium. A police helicopter was also seen hovering overhead. — NNN-AGENCIES
