The governor's office said the Annapolis Police Department locked down the Maryland State House late Thursday afternoon after a security threat to the State Capital around 5 pm.
The Annapolis Police immediately told the Maryland Capitol Police, Maryland State Police, the Anne Arundel County Police Department, and security at the House and Senate office buildings after the reports.
Maryland State House on Lockdown Amid Security Threat
According to WBALTV, the Maryland Department of General Services said in a statement following the lifting of the lockdown that the Annapolis City Police Department received a call on Thursday afternoon from an individual threatening to target the Maryland State House.
The WMAR2News reported that the governor's office claimed that staff members and community members were requested to remain indoors and follow any instructions from law enforcement. Maryland State Police, Maryland Capital Police, and Annapolis Police thoroughly searched the State House based on the phoned-in threat.
Police told 11 News that a threatening call initiated armed officers to assemble in the building with guns drawn. The top floor of the building was searched first, and the police also checked the bottom floor and the ground. The authorities said that the incident appeared to stem from the ground floor.
SkyTeam 11, Baltimore's only news helicopter, captured footage of several police and emergency vehicles encircling the State House facility. Police cars were parked in front of every entrance surrounding State Circle.
Furthermore, the authorities concluded that the areas were safe and free of potential threats. The lockdown and shelter-in-place were lifted around 6:52 pm, and all individuals still inside the building, including the senate president, lieutenant governor, and governor, were escorted outside the building.
According to the Annapolis Police, they found no suspicious activities or items inside the building. Bernie Bennett, public information officer for the Annapolis Police Department, said in a statement that no suspects have been identified. State House grounds have resumed standard security procedures and protocol.
State Officials Praises Law Enforcement Officers
Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Adrienne Jones released a joint statement, saying, "We want to thank all the law enforcement officers who responded today. We and everyone else in the legislative complex are grateful for their presence as we continue to do the people's work."
Gov. Wes Moore also released a statement and expressed gratitude to the authorities. He said that their 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 them safe today from the security threat.
Moore noted that these brave men and women are not just Maryland's fines but they are Maryland's promise as they define what it means to be a Marylander.
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