A major security emergency unfolded at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, after reports of a potentially armed intruder on the grounds sent the prestigious institution into a complete lockdown on Thursday.
The chilling alert, issued around 1:15 pm local time, warned of an "armed individual" reportedly seen on the campus. The immediate directive was for all midshipmen, staff, and personnel to swiftly implement a 'shelter in place' protocol, locking doors and barricading themselves indoors while the threat was assessed.
Massive Emergency Mobilisation
In response to the threat, a significant force from multiple law enforcement agencies descended on the academy. Annapolis Police, alongside Naval Support Activity (NSA) Annapolis police and other supporting units, swiftly secured the perimeter and began a meticulous, building-by-building search of the vast campus to locate the suspected individual.
The seriousness of the situation was underscored by the visible presence of officers armed with rifles, who were seen patrolling the historic grounds as the investigation was underway.
All Clear Given After Intensive Search
After an extensive and thorough sweep of the academy's facilities, authorities eventually gave the 'all clear'. In an official update, the Naval Academy confirmed that no armed intruder was found on the campus.
The lockdown and shelter-in-place orders were subsequently lifted, allowing the campus to return to its normal routine. The origin of the initial threat report remains under investigation by authorities, who are working to determine the circumstances that led to the alarming false alarm.
The incident highlights the heightened state of alert and robust security protocols in place at critical national institutions, demonstrating the swift action taken to ensure the safety of all personnel despite the eventual false alarm.
