Eight climate justice protesters were tackled, brushed against the stands and arrested by Capitol Police at the annual Congressional Baseball Game on June 12 after they interrupted the proceedings.
The group known as Climate Defiance disrupted the event by jumping on to the Nationals Park field toting white T-shirts that said, “END FOSSIL FUELS” due to the game’s sponsor, Chevron.
“We were brutalized tonight – beaten and bruised as we took over the Congressional Baseball Game. Our bodies are bloodied but our spirits are unmoved,” Climate Defiance wrote on X. “We will build a better world. We will rise again. We will prevail. Just you wait.”
Authorities said they were aware a demonstration could potentially happen and made response plans prior. Despite viral videos condemning the protesters’ treatment, law enforcement officials are praising their actions.
“We are proud of our officers who are working to keep everyone safe during tonight’s Congressional Baseball Game for Charity,” Capitol Police posted on X mentioning that participants are being indicted on federal charges.
Currently, the Climate Defiance organization is raising funds for their imprisoned members.
