Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Wil Myers Praised After Ballpark Shooting Scare

San Diego Padres stars Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and Will Myers were widely praised for their selfless actions to help fans following a shooting outside Nationals Park.

The trio sprung into action as gunshots rang out during the sixth inning on Saturday night, sparking panic among fans inside the Washington D.C. stadium.

But, as fear set in across the stands, Tatis Jr., Machado and Myers ran to save fans and family members, according to eyewitness accounts.

Witnesses and fans said the players opened the gate and sent them to the dugout, while they waited for the sound of gunshots to come to an end.

One Twitter user said: "In the midst of confusion and then some fear, my lasting image from tonight will be looking down on the field to see 22-year-old Fernando Tatis Jr. emerging from clubhouse and sprinting down the 3B line to grab his family and pull them to safety.

"I thought I admired the kid before."

Another added: "Yes, we are safe now. Was it scary? Absolutely. Happened in section 112, I was in 114. We all hit the deck. Machado, Myers and Tatis all came out and sent fans to the dugout.

"I have nothing but respect for them and the @Padres. The cops locked the gate, they opened it."

A third said: "Players, including Fernando Tatis Jr. just ran into stands and grabbed family members and brought them to clubhouse."

Tatis Jr. later shared a message following the shooting, which read: "Hope everyone is safe! Just keep the prayers up (praying hands emoji) thank you everyone that help in the front line! (praying hands emoji)."

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), police raced to the 1500 block of South Capitol Street after two people were shot outside the stadium.

It added: "Two additional victims associated with this incident walked into area hospitals for treatment of gunshot wounds. MPD is on scene and actively investigating at this time."

According to CNN, at no point did any shooting take place within the stadium and that the public was not in danger.

Ashan Benedict, executive assistant chief of police for the MPD, told the outlet: "I just want to assure the public that at no time during this incident were individuals inside the stadium attending the game in any kind of danger.

"This was not an active shooter incident and it's not being investigated as such. Everything took place outside the stadium."

He told reporters that two vehicles had been involved in a "shootout" during the game. One of those shot, a female fan, was treated for her injuries but is expected to recover.

The Padres had led 8-4 when the game was suspended. It will play out later today.

Newsweek has contacted the MPD for comment.