Annapolis State House Placed on Lockdown Following Threat

In a concerning turn of events, the State House in Annapolis was placed on lockdown earlier this evening due to a reported threat. The incident prompted authorities to instruct people to secure their offices and remain quiet until further notice. The Annapolis Police Department swiftly responded to the scene to assess the situation.

According to Bernie Bennett, a spokesperson for the police department, the threat was received by the Department of General Services, who then requested assistance from multiple agencies, including the Annapolis Police Department. The building is currently being cleared out as law enforcement officials meticulously search for any potential threat.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing police officers rushing into the State House with weapons drawn, heightening tensions. Efforts to contact the Anne Arundel County Police Department, Department of General Service, and Maryland Capitol Police for additional information were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

Fortunately, given the time of day, the majority of offices inside the State House were vacant, as lawmakers would have been in offices or hearing rooms in other buildings. However, police officers did visit press offices and urged anyone inside to evacuate immediately. Reporters exiting the building were ushered through a corridor lined with officers prepared for any potential danger.

State Del. Michele Guyton took to social media to inform her constituents that she and her staff were safe but admitted to being unaware of the specifics surrounding the threat. Similarly, Katie Malone, chief of staff for Del. Eric Ebersole, shared that her office received a text message instructing them to shelter in place, although nothing unusual had occurred within their immediate vicinity.

As the situation continues to unfold, this article will be updated accordingly. The Baltimore Banner extends its gratitude to reporters Lillian Read, Hugo Kugiya, Pamela Wood, and Brenda Wintrode for their contributions to this story.