WASHINGTON \u2014 The Washington Nationals have identified and banned at least one individual from Nationals Park after he unfurled a sign during Sunday\u2019s game that directed fans to a white nationalist website and called for the deportation of \u201c100+ million,\u201d according to a team spokesperson.<\/p>\n
An usher attempted to confiscate the banner soon after it was unfurled in the upper deck down the first-base line, but the three individuals holding onto the sign pulled it back before eventually fleeing the premises, according to a team spokesperson. The incident occurred during the team\u2019s daily \u201cSalute to Service,\u201d which honors veterans and military personnel and is held before the fourth inning.<\/p>\n
In a statement shared with The Athletic, the team wrote, \u201cThe Washington Nationals vehemently condemn discriminatory and hateful rhetoric, and we strive to make our home field a safe space for our fans.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Nationals are coordinating with the Metropolitan Police Department on a follow-up investigation.\u00a0They did not identify the individual who was banned from the stadium.<\/p>\n
On social media, Jan. 6 rioter and conservative influencer Jake Lang took credit for the banner<\/a>. It was not immediately clear how the individual who brought the banner in got it past security, but they were not carrying an unapproved bag. Such bags have to be clear and a certain size, or a clutch purse, and are generally checked at the gate.\u00a0The stadium\u2019s magnetometers detect weapons but would not pick up something like a nylon sign.<\/p>\n