Field invader with Palestinian flag halted during 9/11 Subway Series

A Long Island man ran onto the Yankee Stadium field waving a Palestinian flag at 9:11 p.m. Friday during the Mets-Yankees game on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, interrupting a night built around remembrance of the nearly 3,000 people killed in 2001.Police identified him as Kelly Marcucci, 38. The New York Police Department said he was arrested and charged with misdemeanor trespassing and interference with a professional sporting event. Officials said he has no known prior arrests. He was issued a desk appearance ticket and is expected to appear in court. He has not released a public statement.

The intrusion came in the top of the seventh inning. The Yankees led 5-2. The Mets had the bases loaded with two outs and Francisco Lindor at the plate in a 3-2 count against reliever Brent Headrick. Witnesses and video showed Marcucci entering from the left-field seats and sprinting toward center field with the flag. Stadium security and officers chased him a short distance, then tackled him on the outfield grass. He was handcuffed and taken off the field beyond the center-field wall.

Fans above the Mets bullpen threw beer cans and other drinks as he was removed. The crowd booed, then chanted “U-S-A.” Some reports said he kicked at security while being carried off. Several outlets noted he wore a jersey with the slogan “No Kings.” The Yankees declined to comment. How he reached the field has not been explained.

After a brief delay and a few warm-up pitches, Headrick retired Lindor on a line drive back to the mound. New York won 6-4.The stunt landed on a ceremony-heavy evening. Before first pitch, the club honored 9/11 victims, welcomed members of the 2001 Yankees — including Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Paul O’Neill, Tino Martinez, Scott Brosius and Mariano Rivera — and featured first pitches from people who lost parents in the attacks. Country singer Lee Greenwood performed “God Bless the USA.” Cody Bellinger, whose father Clay played for those 2001 Yankees and later became a firefighter in Arizona, homered earlier in the game while wearing an FDNY cap.

It is further reported that hours before this event Marcucci posted a lengthy diatribe on social media lamenting capitalism, Zionism, Saudi Arabia and 9-11. He mentioned several high profile people including Donald Trump and Joe Rogan. He later posted a video of himself at the game before running on the field.

Field intrusions are illegal at professional games. Police have not alleged a broader plot. As of Saturday, prosecutors had not announced additional charges, and Marcucci had not spoken further about the flag, the timing, or his intent.