With the Washington Nationals' home opener set for tomorrow, concerns about crime around Nationals Park are once again front and center as fans from across the DMV and even from other states and countries travel to the District to kick off the 2026 season.
Last month, roughly 200 juveniles flooded the Navy Yard area, and what followed was exactly the kind of chaos many D.C. residents and fans have become far too accustomed to near Nationals Park: fights, robberies, businesses hurriedly locking their doors, gunfire near Metro station entrances, and more.
"The behavior displayed [on Saturday, March 14th] night in Navy Yard cannot be tolerated, and we are very thankful that no one was seriously injured," interim Metropolitan Police Chief Jeffery W. Carroll, a Mayor Muriel Bowser appointee, told WUSA 9 on Sunday after the incident. According to police, two guns were recovered, and a 15-year-old has been accused of firing shots into the air. Three juveniles were reportedly robbed, and two of them were beaten badly enough to be taken to the hospital.
For years, fans and residents have raised concerns about public safety in the Navy Yard area. Those fears came into sharp focus in July 2021, when gunshots were heard outside Nationals Park during a game against the Padres, triggering confusion and panic both inside and outside the ballpark. I was there that night, trying to enjoy a game with family members, and the uncertainty and fear in the stands are not something you forget.
Public crime numbers provided to The Nats Report by the Metropolitan Police Department show that during the 2025 baseball season, the area that includes Navy Yard recorded:
2,018 motor vehicle thefts (down from 2024)
2,939 thefts from autos (down from 2024)
317 assaults with a deadly weapon (down from 2024)
674 robberies (a significant decrease from 2024)
Year-to-date numbers for 2026 show a mixed picture as the Nationals head into Opening Day:
Total reported crimes: 120 (citywide average: 78.2)
Robberies: 272 (down from 368 during the same period in 2025)
Assaults with a dangerous weapon: 256 (up from 195 during the same period last year)
Thefts from autos: 851 (down from 1,398 last year)
Other thefts: 2,348 (down from 2,559 last year)
Motor vehicle thefts: 551 (down from 1,215 last year)
Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, a Nationals season ticket holder who takes his family to games day and night, offered a more optimistic assessment of the situation. "I think we are creating a fantastic experience from the moment you get to the ballpark that's safe, vibrant, and active before you get to the gates," Councilmember Allen exclusively told The Nats Report. "Whether that's coming up the escalator out of the Metro, getting off the bus on M Street, or walking or biking over to the Ballpark... I feel good about where the District has taken a number of steps to put in place a lot of visible steps for safety and it's in a good place heading into Opening Day."
Councilmember Allen highlighted MPD's enhanced presence during game days in partnership with the Nationals, along with the Real-Time Crime Center that coordinates with WMATA Transit Police. On the impact to local businesses and residents, he noted: "Everyone wants a public space and game day experience that works well. That means the neighborhood around the Ballpark needs to both be safe and have the perception of safety. Big, intentionally disruptive gatherings hurt that effort."
A Navy Yard resident echoed that confidence in policing around game days. "I've never felt unsafe in the Navy Yard, especially before or after Nationals games when there is a heavy police presence," the resident told The Nats Report.
Addressing concerns from parents about balancing safety with a welcoming atmosphere, Councilmember Allen said: "Some families find the presence of police very reassuring, while others actually feel less safe. The best way to ensure safety is to have a busy, active game day experience... The District needs to also meet these kids where they are and providing places to go that are safe and fun for young people, rather than just using only punitive measures like curfews and additional police deployments. I view it as a both/and situation—curfews are just one tool, not a full solution."
Just last week, on Friday, March 27, the Metropolitan Police Department announced the establishment of two juvenile curfew zones, including one in Navy Yard, directly where Nationals Park is located. The curfew zones are intended to give police more tools to disperse large unsupervised groups before situations escalate.
"Since I have been here, my mission has been to change the law to make some of the young punks criminally responsible for what they're doing. They're interfering with the livelihood of some of the businesses in the Navy Yard, they're interfering with their quality of life, they're interfering with your quiet enjoyment of where you live. And they've got to be made accountable. I want them," Pirro said.
Editor's Notes: The Nats Report sought comment from the Washington Nationals regarding fan safety plans for the upcoming season, and the team declined to comment. The Nats Report asked for comment from Washington, D.C. Council Member for Ward 8 Trayon White, Sr., and at the time of publication, we had not heard back from his office.
In a written statement to The Nats Report, the Metropolitan Police Department said it "will have an increased presence around the Washington Nationals baseball games. Residents and visitors will see numerous traffic closures in place during the games." The statement continued: "We want everyone to enjoy themselves when they attend these games and we would like to remind everyone of a few tips to keep them safe."
MPD also provided the following safety tips for fans coming to Nationals Park this season:
If you are driving to the ballpark, park your vehicle in an authorized parking space.
Do not park in crosswalks, in front of driveways, or too far from the curb. If in doubt, take public transportation or a rideshare to the game.
If you decide to drive, make sure your vehicle is secure. Lock the doors and remove any valuable items. Do not leave anything visible on the seats or floorboards.
Always be aware of your surroundings. Do not walk with headphones in both ears, and if you see something suspicious, say something. Fans can report suspicious activity through MPD's iWATCH program.
If you plan on drinking, designate a sober driver, take a rideshare, or use one of the District's public transportation options.
The Nationals organization markets Nationals Park as the heart of D.C.'s summer entertainment scene—a waterfront destination with games, concerts, restaurants, and riverfront views. We're confident the team and city work together on security, as MPD has been transparent about increased patrols, curfew zones, and safety tips for Opening Day. Still, when The Nats Report asked the Nationals about their specific 2026 fan safety plans, the team declined to comment.
Opening Day will test whether their coordination delivers. With thousands of fans expected tomorrow, the real measure of success won't just be on the field—it will be how safe everyone feels getting there and back. Navy Yard residents, business owners, and visitors deserve nothing less than a smooth, incident-free start to the season.