Shooting outside the national park causes panic inside the stadium; National-Padres match suspended

A chaotic and surreal scene unfolded at Nationals Park on Saturday night during a Padres-Nationals game, as gunfire outside the stadium caused a frenzy among fans and players at the stadium. DC Police said there was a “shootout” between two cars just outside the national park and three people were shot dead. One of the victims of the shooting was a bystander who should be fine, police said.

People inside the stadium described hearing several gunshots, which caused panic among the crowd. Players from both reliever pens could be seen rushing towards the clubhouse. Players also went to the stands to gather family members and some fans sought refuge in the canoes.

Here’s more from CBS News:

CBS News congressional correspondent Kris Van Cleave was present at the game and said he heard “three bangs” in quick succession. One fan told him they sounded like fireworks, another said it sounded like automatic weapon fire. There was initial confusion and panic as some thought there was a shooter inside the park rather than outside. Video from inside the stadium shows fans rushing for exits, squeezing between rows and some even running into canoes and pavilions. A woman near Van Cleave burst into tears.

The game was abandoned for the night at the end of the sixth inning with the Padres in the lead, 8-4. Here’s a look at the scene:

Initially, according to those at the scene, the public address announcer told fans to stay put. But ultimately, the Nationals asked fans to exit the stadium through the gates to right and center field.

Saturday night’s game is scheduled to resume Sunday at 1:05 p.m. ET at Nationals Park and the game scheduled for Sunday will begin shortly after its conclusion.