Lockdown Lifted After Phone Threat At MD State House: Reports

Patch manager Deb Belt wrote this story. Patch reporter Jacob Baumgart contributed reporting.

Last updated Thursday at 7:36 p.m.

ANNAPOLIS, MD — An anonymous threat put the Maryland State House on lockdown for nearly two hours Thursday. The threatening call was reported about 5 p.m. and the all-clear was given about 6:55 p.m.

Annapolis Police Chief Ed Jackson told The Baltimore Sun no suspects were found and nothing suspicious was seen by police, but the source of the threat will be investigated.

Senate President Bill Ferguson posted on X, formerly Twitter, just before 7 p.m.: "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."

The Annapolis Police Department told the Associated Press its officers were called to assist the Maryland Capitol Police after somebody called in an anonymous threat sometime Thursday. Officers had not found any suspicious activity by 6 p.m.

“You have to react to every threat as though it’s credible and serious,” Annapolis Police Department spokesperson Bernie Bennett told the AP, noting that nobody has been hurt.

The Baltimore Banner reported that police officers stopped at press offices about 5:30 p.m. and asked if anyone was inside. Reporters were told to evacuate through a hallway lined with officers with guns drawn.

No suspicious people or devices were found as of 6 p.m., police told NBC Washington.

Bennett told WTOP the Maryland Department of General Services received a call about 5 p.m. threatening the state capitol.

An AP reporter saw law enforcement vehicles parked outside and a police officer hurrying up a staircase with his gun drawn. Authorities searched the State House with the help of police dogs.

Annapolis police told WBAL once the building's top floor has been cleared, and as soon as the bottom floor and grounds are clear, people will be able to move about the complex. Every entrance around State Circle was blocked by police cars, the TV station's helicopter video showed.

Gov. Wes Moore's office said in a statement: "The Maryland State House is currently under lockdown for a security threat. No other information is available at this time. Staff members, personnel and community members on grounds should shelter in place and listen to directions from any available member of capitol police or law enforcement."

The shelter-in-place order was extended to the House and Senate office buildings.

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