State House Goes Into Lockdown, Alleged Shooting Threat

The Maryland State House went into lockdown Thursday due to a ‘security threat’ from an individual who allegedly threatened to shoot up the location.

Law enforcement arrived at the scene and searched the legislative buildings.

“A significant police presence is on the scene as they surround the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland. With Police are drawing their weapons and rushing inside the building, The building is currently being evacuated, and the State House is on lockdown. An alert has been issued instructing staff members, personnel, and community members on the grounds to shelter in place,” Rawsalerts wrote.

#BREAKING: Maryland State House on lockdown with police drawing their weapons and rushing inside the building

#Annapolis | #Maryland

Currently, a significant police presence is on the scene as they surround the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland. With Police are… pic.twitter.com/FjxO9vYRwF

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) February 29, 2024

“Governor Wes Moore, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, Senate President Bill Ferguson, several other lawmakers, and state employees were inside the building at the time,” FOX 5 DC reports.

The lockdown and shelter in place order remained in effect until nearly 7 p.m. Thursday night.

“Lockdown has been lifted, my team and I left the State House several minutes ago. Enormous appreciation and thanks to the State Police, Capital Police, and all first responders who acted quickly and professionally to monitor situation and keep everyone safe,” Maryland State Senator Bill Ferguson said.

Lockdown has been lifted, my team and I left the State House several minutes ago.

Enormous appreciation and thanks to the State Police, Capital Police, and all first responders who acted quickly and professionally to monitor situation and keep everyone safe. https://t.co/unV1zjJOyq

— Bill Ferguson (@SenBillFerg) February 29, 2024

FOX 5 DC reports:

Officials said the lockdown and shelter in place was lifted at 6:52 p.m. and all remaining occupants were escorted from the building.

“Our family is grateful for the members of the Maryland Capitol Police, Maryland State Police, Annapolis Police Department, and the Anne Arundel County Police Department who secured the State House Grounds and kept us safe today,” Governor Moore said in a statement. “These brave men and women aren’t just Maryland’s finest – they’re Maryland’s promise. They define what it means to be a Marylander.”

“Enormous appreciation and thanks to the State Police, Capital Police, and all first responders who acted quickly and professionally to monitor the situation and keep everyone safe,” Senator Ferguson posted on X.

The House Judiciary Committee had a voting session scheduled on the calendar at 4 p.m. in the House Office Building.

The Senate Finance Committee, and the Senate Education, Energy and the Environment Committee were also there around that time for voting sessions scheduled in the Senate Building.

“Our family is grateful for the members of the Maryland Capitol Police, Maryland State Police, Annapolis Police Department, and the Anne Arundel County Police Department who secured the State House Grounds and kept us safe today,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said.

Our family is grateful for the members of the Maryland Capitol Police, Maryland State Police, Annapolis Police Department, and the Anne Arundel County Police Department who secured the State House Grounds and kept us safe today.

— Governor Wes Moore (@GovWesMoore) March 1, 2024

Maryland state House locked down following phone threat | Just The News https://t.co/xqfN6AwwqF

— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) March 1, 2024

From The Baltimore Sun:

Officials declared the situation safe around 7 p.m., with no injuries reported, about two hours after a caller dialed the main line of the Annapolis Police Department and “said something about coming in and shooting up the place,” Chief Ed Jackson told The Baltimore Sun.

“The caller,” Jackson added, “didn’t stay on the line, didn’t say where he came from … didn’t represent any organization. He just called and said he was going to shoot up the place and hung up.”

Jackson said police would continue to investigate the source of the threat, which sent the lawmakers, staffers, reporters and civilians into lockdown as officers from several agencies swept the State House, the House and Senate buildings and Government House, the home of Democratic Gov. Wes Moore.

“We want to thank all the law enforcement officers who responded today,” Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, both Democrats, said in a statement once the emergency was over. “We and everyone else in the legislative complex are grateful for their presence as we continue to do the people’s work.”

This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up.

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