Nationals Cause Brief Capitol Evacuation With Pregame Parachute Team

A harmless pregame routine led to an eventful day in D.C.

Playing in the Washington D.C. area has its benefits, but it also has its occasional detriments, as the Nationals discovered earlier today.

Washington planned for an Army parachute team for its pregame festivities, as it occasionally does before a game. However, the team failed to properly communicate their plans to the U.S. Capitol.

According to CNN, the U.S. Capitol was forced to evacuate everyone inside early Wednesday evening for an unknown aircraft, thanks to the team’s poor communication.

🚨NEW — Capitol evacuation — Single engine aircraft. Parachutists into Nats Park. Not coordinated appropriately, per two people directly familiar tell @CNN

— Mike Valerio (@ValerioCNN) April 20, 2022

After a brief respite, Capitol police announced that people re-entered the building, though they are still “gathering more information.”

The Congressional buildings are now open for staff to go back inside.

Our federal, state and local partners are still working to get more information.

— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) April 21, 2022

The Capitol initially labeled the plane as a “probable threat,” per CNN, which led to the evacuation.

Washington was using the parachuters as part of its plan for military appreciation night at Nationals Park. According to CNN, air traffic controllers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were aware that the flight was taking place.