The US Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland, was locked down on the evening of 11/9 following a shooting incident stemming from a false report of an active shooter on campus.
According to Fox News, police received a report of "suspicious activity" at the USNA at 5:07 PM and dispatched officers to investigate.
Upon arrival at Bancroft Hall, a dormitory within the USNA, the officers encountered gunfire and returned fire. The entire academy was placed on lockdown, and numerous events were canceled. A rescue helicopter was dispatched to the scene, and at least one victim was transported for medical treatment.
An internal email obtained by Fox News, purportedly a message from USNA Deputy Superintendent David Forman, revealed the shooting was a case of mistaken identity. A student, believing the police were an intruder planning a shooting, opened fire. It remains unclear whether the student's weapon was government-issued.
The student was injured in the exchange of fire with police and received medical attention. The student is now in stable condition. Forman stated that "misinformation was the biggest threat today".
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US military police and security personnel locked down the USNA on the evening of 11/9. Photo: WTTG |
US military police and security personnel locked down the USNA on the evening of 11/9. Photo: WTTG
Rumors had spread among some within the USNA about an active shooter disguised as military police knocking on dormitory doors, causing confusion. Military officials later confirmed this information was false.
The source of the unfounded rumor was traced to the anonymous chat platform Yodel, initiated by a former student living with their parents in the American Midwest.
The city of Annapolis and fire department dispatched ambulances, fire trucks, and police to the scene, urging people to avoid the area. A full sweep of the academy was conducted before the lockdown was lifted.
A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was briefed on the situation and was closely monitoring developments.
Thanh Danh (According to Fox News, Stars and Stripes)
