Maryland State House placed on lockdown after security threat

Police have locked down the Maryland State House in Annapolis due to a security threat, which has now been lifted.

Gov. Wes Moore’s (D) press secretary said in a post online that staff members, personnel and community members on the grounds of the State House should shelter in place and listen to directions from law enforcement.

WBAL reporter David Collins reported that officers had their weapons drawn and were running inside the building.

Maryland State Police confirmed to The Hill that Annapolis City Police received a call from an individual threatening the State House. Along with Maryland Capitol Police, Maryland State Police, Anne Arundel County Police and security in the building, the Annapolis City Police responded to the threat.

“Within minutes of receiving the information, Maryland Capitol Police placed the Maryland State House, Government House, and House and Senate Office Buildings on lockdown, directing occupants to follow instructions from law enforcement – including to shelter in place,” an emailed Department of General Services statement said.

Police swept the buildings and determined the areas were secure and “clear of any potential threat.” The lockdown and shelter-in-place were lifted at 6:52 p.m. and all remaining occupants were escorted from the building.

According to The Associated Press, reporters who have offices on the ground floor of the building were told by an aide to Maryland House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones to lock their doors shortly after 5 p.m. Reporters were escorted out by police about 30 minutes later. 

An AP reporter saw an officer hurry up a staircase with his gun drawn and other state employees leaving the building. 

Moore’s spokesperson, Carter Elliott, posted an update online after the incident saying “we’re all good in Annapolis” and thanking the “men and women that keep us safe everyday.”

Moore released an official statement thanking all members of the police “who secured the State House grounds and kept us safe today.”

“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,” Moore said.

Bernie Bennett, a public information officer for the Annapolis Police Department, said so far no suspects have been identified, “nor has any suspicious items been found” in the State House.

Updated 8:11 p.m. ET