Shockwaves were sent through the sports community over the weekend when a shooting broke out during an MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals.
But footage has since emerged showing the heroic and selfless acts of the players as chaos erupted inside National Stadium.
Newly-released video shows the players themselves ushering shocked fans into the dugouts in a bid to keep them safe during the scary incident.
Here is the footage of Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Wil Myers helping fans when in fear (of the shooting at Nationals Park). pic.twitter.com/9ApuHIs4Oy
- Dan Clark (@DanClarkSports) July 18, 2021
Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado opened the gate to take fans into the dugout during the shooting incident in Washington. This needs more press coverage. It shows the quality of these two men who simply shifted into help mode. So, so classy. Best news story of the season IMO.
- Dan Clark (@DanClarkSports) July 18, 2021
While it was later confirmed that the gun shots were actually from outside the arena, the sounds of the shots echoed around the stadium which made spectators instantly think the worst.
As approximately 33,000 fans desperately scrambled for the safety, some of the players - including Padres stars Fernando Tatis Jr, Manny Machado and Wil Myers - sprung into action and helped them find shelter in the dugouts.
I believe you can hear the gun shots at the end of this video as player were leaving the field and players stop and look towards center field gate #nationals #mlb #padres pic.twitter.com/XUxUdiLj6m
- andnowwedance (@andnowwedance1) July 18, 2021
The duo were seen sprinting down the field and opening gates to usher fans out of the stands and away from the apparent danger.
"Our family, loved ones, little kids. Feel like somebody needed to go get them," Tatis said.
Scene inside Nats Park: pic.twitter.com/O4jEh7mLqw
- Ted Starkey (@TedStarkey) July 18, 2021
"I feel like the safest place was the clubhouse and we were trying to get our families into a safe place.
"Everybody running. It was crazy. You couldn't figure out what was going on. If it was one or two people.
"I was just trying to get to the safest place and get our families.
"The situation changed immediately. There's no longer players, fans. I feel like everybody's just people, human beings trying to be secure."
BREAKING: A shooting has been reported outside of the Third Base Gate at Nationals Park. The Padres-Nationals game has been suspended. pic.twitter.com/TKm92cOKxP
- Tyler Roney (@TylerJRoney) July 18, 2021
If you listen closely as MASN is going into the commercial break, the gun shots can be heard and you can see the #Nationals players turn around as they head into the dugout as they host the #Padres pic.twitter.com/xBhnRvNN2L
- Bernard Woolley (@Thunderstick19) July 18, 2021
Fans at the #Nationals/Padres game are asked to remain in the stadium due to an action outside Nats Park. Have seen multiple tweets of reports of a active shooter outside of the stadium pic.twitter.com/iCCjrgypKm
- Mismatch (@MismatchSports) July 18, 2021
Reports of Gunshots outside Nationals Park during the San Diego @Padres vs Washington @Nationals game. pic.twitter.com/7Vy1GmcISh
- Blake_619 (@619WellRep) July 18, 2021
Just ended up in the Padres dugout bc of shooting. Thank you Manny Machado and @Padres pic.twitter.com/B2GaJ7Wt6V
- Alaina (@alaina1424) July 18, 2021
The game was ultimately suspended and completed the following day with the Padres coming out on top 10-4.
The Metropolitan Police Department's executive assistant chief Ashan Benedict later confirmed the shooting was between two different cars which left three people injured - one of those injured being an innocent bystander attending the game.
It's understood two people walked into a local hospital later that night with gunshot wounds and were immediately questioned by police.
A full investigation into the incident is still underway with authorities searching for the second vehicle involved.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter / Washington Nationals
- Baseball fan gets slapped after he proposes to his girlfriend with a gummy ring at MLB game
- Legend Goes Viral After Turning Up To Baseball Game With Chest Hair Shaved Like Bikini
- Manly Players Boycotting Pride Jersey Won’t Be Allowed To Attend Game Over Safety Fears
- Samoan rugby league players treated to sensational heroes return as fans greet players at airport