Lockdown lifted: Maryland State House cleared after threat

Police locked down the Maryland State House in Annapolis after receiving a threatening call Thursday evening, a government spokesperson said.

The Annapolis Police Department got an anonymous call about 5 p.m. from someone saying he was armed with a gun and was going to enter the State House and shoot everyone he saw.

APD immediately told Maryland Capitol Police, Maryland State Police, the Anne Arundel County Police Department, and security at the House and Senate office buildings.

People inside the building were asked to shelter in place while law enforcement agents searched the building and grounds, including with police dogs. Police cars were lined up outside the building, blocking roads that lead to a road that encircles the State House.

WBAL reporter David Collins reported officers with guns drawn at the building.

Maryland state house is in a lock down. Police have weapons drawn running inside the building. No word yet on why pic.twitter.com/qaZBr88SBy

— David Collins (@dcollinsWBAL) February 29, 2024

Police swept the State House, grounds, and the Senate and House buildings and found there was no suspect nor threat, a government spokesperson said.

Police lifted the shelter in place at 6:52 p.m., and people were escorted from the beginning per standard protocol, including the governor, lieutenant governor and Senate president.

“You have to react to every threat as though it’s credible and serious,” Annapolis Police Department spokesperson Bernie Bennett said.

"These brave men and women aren’t just Maryland’s finest – they’re Maryland’s promise," Gov. Wes Moore said about the police response. "They define what it means to be a Marylander.”

Senate President Bill Ferguson and the speaker thanked all the law enforcement officers who responded to the threat.

“We and everyone else in the legislative complex are grateful for their presence as we continue to do the people’s work,” they said in a joint statement.