Climate Activists Aim to Disrupt Congressional Baseball Game

Reports indicate that climate protesters are planning to block and shut down the annual Congressional baseball game on Wednesday, but Rep. Rogers Williams, R-Texas, remains unfazed.

Williams, who led the Republican team to victory last year, dismissed the protest as being “on the stupid radar,” according to Roll Call.

“Why would an environmentalist not appreciate a baseball game?” he questioned. “Baseball is played on grass and dirt. What’s the issue with that?”

The game, which raises funds for local charities, features Republicans against Democrats at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

Evan Drukker-Schardl, an organizer for Climate Defiance, which advocates for ending government support for fossil fuels, stated to Roll Call: “The Congressional Baseball Game is a symbolic target. Congress is playing games while fueling the fossil fuel industry.”

Drukker-Schardl anticipates hundreds of protesters to attend, but did not disclose their planned actions, as per the report.

In 2022, other activists targeted the baseball game by unfurling banners and distributing leaflets in the stands, the report added.

A spokesperson from the Capitol Police informed the outlet that the department is aware of the protest and is collaborating with the Metropolitan Police and Washington Nationals on security measures.

In 2017, a gunman opened fire on Republicans practicing for the annual match, severely injuring Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La.

“We live in a free country, and they have every right to exercise their First Amendment rights,” stated Ryan Thompson, president of Congressional Sports for Charity to Roll Call. “But the Capitol Police and federal law enforcement are definitely vigilant about any threats to the game. It’s a high-profile event so they are very cautious.”

Rep. Linda Sánchez, D-Calif., a coach for the Democrat team, expressed sympathy for Climate Defiance’s cause but disapproved of their methods.

“I don’t believe that disrupting the game is an effective way to bring attention to the passionate cause of these protesters,” she remarked.