The US Naval Academy was placed on lockdown Thursday evening after reports of a possible active shooter threat, but authorities later confirmed there was no gunman. One midshipman was injured during the incident after confusing security personnel for a threat.
Lockdown triggered by reports of suspicious activity
Naval Support Activity Annapolis security teams, along with local law enforcement, responded to reports of “suspicious activity” on academy grounds around 5:07pm. Out of caution, the campus, home to about 4,400 midshipmen, was locked down.
A Navy spokesperson later clarified that there was no active shooter on site. However, while Naval Security Forces were clearing a building, one person was injured and had to be evacuated by helicopter. Officials confirmed the injured midshipman is in stable condition.
Confusion inside Bancroft Hall
Fox News initially reported gunshots were heard inside Bancroft Hall, the dormitory and living quarters for thousands of midshipmen. This sparked widespread concern among those locked inside the massive building.
According to an internal email from Capt. David Forman, Deputy Commandant of Midshipmen, the injured midshipman mistakenly believed armed security officers were intruders and engaged them, leading to the injury.
At the time, some on-campus reports suggested a shooter was posing as a military policeman, knocking on doors — but officials have since stressed this was misinformation.
Midshipman injured, misunderstanding confirmed
Rep Sarah Elfreth confirmed the injured person is indeed a midshipman.
“I am committed to working with our state and local leaders, the leadership of the US Naval Academy, and my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee to ensure that the proper lessons are learned from today’s events,” Elfreth said, emphasizing that the safety of midshipmen remains her “top priority.”
A message circulating among midshipmen, attributed to the Commandant, indicated that the initial threat originated from an anonymous post on the chat platform Yodel. That threat was later traced back to a separated midshipman living with family in the Midwest.
Heightened anxiety after political violence
The lockdown came just one day after the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in Utah, heightening national anxiety about potential campus shootings.
Defense Department officials confirmed they were monitoring the situation closely, with Navy Secretary Phelan receiving real-time updates from NCIS and academy leadership.
A Navy spokesperson reiterated that the lockdown was enforced purely as a precautionary measure.
Reactions and misinformation concerns
Officials stressed that “misinformation was the biggest threat today.” Rumors spread rapidly online and among those on campus, creating confusion and panic.
Former midshipmen also reflected on the fear felt by those locked inside Bancroft Hall. One said, “It’s horrible because Bancroft Hall is both your home and workplace… it always felt safe.”
