Nationals vs Braves Game Postponed: Nats Postpone Game Following Navy Yard Shootings

The Washington Nationals announced this afternoon that in light of this morning's events in the area around Nationals Park at the Navy Yard at the headquarters for Naval Sea Systems Command, tonight's game between the Nats and the Atlanta Braves has been postponed. The Nationals released the following statement after making the decision in consultation with Major League Baseball:

STATEMENT FROM THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS

All of us here in the Nationals organization were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic events that occurred this morning only a few blocks from Nationals Park. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.

In light of the circumstances, we have decided to postpone tonight's game against the Atlanta Braves. Additional information will be distributed in the coming hours.

The safety of our fans is our utmost priority. As we have throughout the day, the Nationals security personnel will continue to work closely with all levels of law enforcement to reinforce the already high level of security in place at Nationals Park.

After the announcement of the postponement of tonight's game, the Nationals announced that the first game of three with the NL East-leading Braves will be made up tomorrow as part of a split doubleheader:

Tonite’s #Nationals-Braves game has been postponed and will be made up as split doubleheader (1:05 p/7:05p) on Tue., Sept. 17.

— Nationals PR (@NationalsPR) September 16, 2013

And if you'll pardon us for a moment for going beyond the scope of baseball coverage in light of the events which led to tonight's postponement, anyone with information on today's events is being asked to contact the DC Police Dept (MPD):

Anyone with info on the Navy Yard shootings please call 1 800 225 5321

— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) September 16, 2013

We'll get back to baseball coverage when appropriate and provide any information on tomorrow's games when it is available.

Nationals' GM Mike Rizzo talked to reporters on the scene in Nationals Park and issued the following comments:

#nats GM Mike Rizzo: "It was a very emotional day. An extremely horrific act happened very near to our ballpark. (Continued)

— Amanda Comak (@acomak) September 16, 2013

Rizzo continued: "It would be inappropriate to play a Major League Baseball game with such tragedy down the street." #nats

— Amanda Comak (@acomak) September 16, 2013