Video: Protesters detained during Congressional Baseball game
Protesters were detained on the field during Wednesday's Congressional Baseball Game at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
The Congressional Baseball Game tradition began in 1909, with members of U.S. Congress from each political party participating. Ticket sales from the game benefit charity.
Witnesses reported two groups of protesters at the game. Protesters detained on the field were part of a group with signs that said, “Stop playing games with our future,” and shirts that read, “End Fossil Fuels.”
The video above shows them being detained by law enforcement.
U.S. Capitol police addressed officers' response in posts on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"Before the charity game, we were aware that some people planned to possibly protest," one post said. "This was discussed during our planning meetings and put in our comprehensive action plan to ensure we had plenty of resources to swiftly respond."
According to Capitol Police, eight people tried to protest on the field, were arrested and are now facing federal charges of interference with a member of U.S. Capitol Police.
Other protesters in the stands held a "Free Palestine" flag and were escorted out. Footage of those protesters can be seen in the video below.
Security has been especially heightened at the Congressional Baseball Game since 2017, after a mass shooting occurred during a Republican practice.
On June 14, 2017, 66-year-old James Hodgkinson shot six people, including then-U.S. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, during a practice session in Alexandria, Virginia. Others injured in the shooting included U.S. Capitol Police officer Crystal Griner, congressional aide Zack Barth and lobbyist Matt Mika.
Wednesday's incident at Nationals Park also came after an officer took down .
Court documents identified the suspect as William Hendon, 19.
Video showed Hendon running onto the field at Great American Ball Park late in Tuesday night's game in Cincinnati.
Hendon approached a Guardians outfielder before heading toward the infield. After running several dozen feet, Hendon stopped and did a successful backflip. About two seconds later a police officer used a Taser on Hendon to bring him down and end the incident.
Hendon has been charged with two misdemeanor counts: criminal trespass and obstructing official business.
He made his first court appearance Wednesday and has pleaded not guilty.