Protesters cause chaos at Congressional baseball game

Eight protesters were arrested for storming the field during the Congressional baseball game, played at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. Wednesday night to benefit local charities there.

The protesters chanted while holding signs that said "Stop playing games with our future" and wearing shirts that said "End Fossil Fuels" as they tried to get on the field.

A group called Climate Defiance tweeted on X taking credit for the protest.

"Update: Eight of us have been arrested for shutting down the Congressional Baseball Game. They are behind bars now. Make no mistake: It's the Members of Congress who should be locked up," the post read.

Arrests quickly made

The U.S. Capitol Police promptly arrested the protesters and the game continued.

"We are proud of our officers who are working to keep everyone safe during tonight’s Congressional Baseball Game for Charity. When eight people tried to protest on the field, our officers quickly stopped them and arrested them. The eight people are being charged with federal charges — Interference with a Member of the U.S. Capitol Police," Capitol Police wrote in a statement on X.

Anti-Israel protesters were also at the game in smaller numbers.

They lowered a "Free Palestine" and Palestinian flag in right field near the foul post, but were booed by others in the crowd.

Longstanding tradition

The game between members of Congress has been happening since 1909.

Both House members and Senators can play, and Republicans play against Democrats.

The game has become more popular in recent years and has received more attention since 2017, when a gunman opened fire during a GOP practice for the game, seriously wounding Steve Scalise (R-LA), now the majority leader.

Scalise has played in more than 10 games over the years, including in the years after he recovered from the shooting.

Republicans win

Republicans won the game this year with a decisive 31-11 victory.

Maybe it's an omen for how the November election will go.