Washington, D.C. - Shooting Outside Nationals Park Leaves Three Injured

Three People Shot and Fans Left in Panic Following A Shooting Near Nationals Park

According to NBC4, there was a shooting around Nationals Park, a baseball stadium in Washington D.C. During a Washington Nationals and the San Diego Padres baseball game, a shooting occurred on South Capitol Street west of the ballpark. Three people were shot when people in two vehicles exchanged gunfire at 9:30 p.m.

During the bottom of the sixth inning, hundreds of fans heard three loud gunshots and panic arose in the stadium. While fans in left field quickly fled the park, several fans throughout the stadium ran towards the Padres' dugout on the third base side and hid under tables and seats for shelter.

The Nationals made an announcement warning fans of an incident outside of the park and encouraged fans to remain in the stadium. However, 10 minutes after the announcement, the baseball team sent out a tweet stating "A shooting has been reported outside of the Third Base Gate at Nationals Park. Fans are encouraged to exit the ballpark via the CF and RF gates at this time.”

Quickly after, fans could hear ambulance and police sirens from outside the park and the game was suspended.

It has been reported by the Metropolitan Police Department they found one vehicle involved in the shooting and are seeking to locate the other vehicle involved: a Toyota Corolla with a hubcap missing from the rear driver’s side, a temporary Virginia license plate, and dark tinted windows.

During the shooting, three people were shot and injured including one woman attending the baseball game who suffered a graze wound on her back, and two other men who are reportedly in stable condition.

Contrary to initial belief, police confirmed that none of the shooting victims worked at the stadium.

The baseball game between the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres resumed Sunday, July 18th, 2021 with increased police presence around the stadium.

Legal Options for Victims of Shootings at Stadiums

Attorney Laurence Banville is an experienced attorney with years of trial experience. Banville has represented several innocent people who have been injured and offers insight into the legal options for shooting victims. 

"Businesses have the legal obligation to maintain a safe environment for patrons and surrounding their property. All business owners need to implement safety measures to protect patrons. Safety measures should include security cameras and emergency exits. If a business owner fails to meet proper safety protocols and a violent crime occurs, the property owner can be found liable for negligence."

"To find a business owner liable in the case of an accident or shooting, the owner must lack safety measures for reasonably foreseeable crimes. A reasonably foreseeable crime can include if gun violence has increased in the area, and the property owner has not implemented proper or additional safety measures such as security cameras. Victims of shooting should seek legal representation if they feel their safety was put in jeopardy due to the negligence of a business owner."

Sources:

NBC4 News