The Washington Nationals identified and banned at least one person from Nationals Park after a banner promoting a white nationalist website was unfurled during their game against the Baltimore Orioles on May 17 [1, 2].
Three individuals displayed the banner in the upper deck near the first baseline during the Nationals’ "Salute to Service" ceremony before the start of the fourth inning [1, 2]. The banner included the phrases "SAVE AMERICA" and "DEPORT 100+ MILLION" alongside promotion of a white nationalist website [1, 2].
An usher attempted to confiscate the banner, but the three people resisted and then fled the stadium before security could fully intervene [1, 2]. Jake Lang, a conservative influencer and January 6 rioter, claimed responsibility for unfurling the banner on social media [1, 2].
Nationals Park security uses magnetometers that detect weapons but would not flag a nylon sign, leaving unclear how the banner entered the stadium [1, 2].
The Nationals lost the game 7-3 to the Orioles, dropping their season record to 23-24 [1, 2].
The Washington Nationals released a statement saying, "The Washington Nationals vehemently condemn discriminatory and hateful rhetoric, and we strive to make our home field a safe space for our fans" [1, 2].
Nationals Park and Major League Baseball policies prohibit signs or banners with derogatory content relating to protected categories such as race, ethnicity, and political affiliation [2].
