A midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy was shot Thursday evening by security personnel while the campus was on lockdown, after reports of potential threats prompted a large law enforcement response, Navy officials said.
The incident began shortly after 5 p.m., when academy officials announced that the campus was under lockdown “out of an abundance of caution.” Naval Security Forces, working with local law enforcement, began clearing campus buildings after receiving reports of suspicious activity.
During those operations, a midshipman was struck by gunfire. The individual was quickly airlifted by Maryland State Police to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. Navy officials later confirmed that the midshipman was in stable condition.
“There is no active shooter threat,” a Navy spokesperson said, clarifying that the shooting occurred during the clearing of a building by security forces.
Maryland Rep. Sarah Elfreth released a statement Thursday night, saying: “Thankfully, the Midshipman who was injured during the clearing of a building is in stable condition. I want to thank our first responders and the doctors and nurses at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center who put themselves in harm’s way to respond to and heal those who have been impacted by these events that have become all too common.”
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s office also emphasized that there was “no credible threat to the Naval Academy.”
Founded in 1845, the U.S. Naval Academy trains more than 4,500 midshipmen who go on to serve as officers in the Navy and Marine Corps. Security incidents on the Annapolis campus are rare, and the shooting drew swift attention because it involved one of the academy’s own.
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Officials did not immediately release details about what led to the shooting, including whether the midshipman was mistaken for a threat. The Navy has not disclosed the midshipman’s name or class year, citing privacy concerns. An investigation is underway into how the shooting unfolded.
By Thursday night, the lockdown had been lifted, though increased security remained visible around the campus. The academy said it would provide counseling and support for midshipmen affected by the incident.
The event highlighted the tension faced by law enforcement and military security officers, who must act decisively to protect students and staff in potential threat situations but also face the risk of tragic accidents.