Crime
No credible threat at US Naval Academy, midshipman shot by Law enforcement
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Officials have confirmed there is no credible threat to the U.S. Naval Academy following a lockdown that was initiated Thursday in response to online threats.
Governor Wes Moore’s office released a statement after coordinating with local, state, and federal law enforcement:
“In working with law enforcement authorities at every level, there is currently no credible threat to the Naval Academy.”
According to investigators, the threats originated from Jackson Elliott Fleming, a former midshipman who had been expelled from the Academy.
Fleming allegedly used an anonymous social media account and manipulated his IP address in an attempt to make it appear as though he was physically present on campus.
Out of an abundance of caution, midshipmen were ordered to shelter in place. During the lockdown, confusion led to a separate incident when a midshipman mistakenly believed a law enforcement officer was a threat.
The midshipman struck the officer with a training weapon, prompting law enforcement to open fire.
The midshipman was transported to a hospital by Maryland State Police medevac helicopter and is expected to recover, according to officials.
Video from the scene showed students running into buildings with their hands raised as the lockdown was enforced.
Naval Support Activity Annapolis, which oversees security at the Academy, released an earlier statement confirming the coordinated response:
“Naval Support Activity Annapolis, in coordination with local law enforcement, is currently responding to reports of threats made to the Naval Academy. The base is on lockdown out of an abundance of caution. This is a developing situation and we will provide updates as they become available.”
Thursday’s incident at the Naval Academy comes amid a wave of false threats targeting schools and universities nationwide.
Within the past week, multiple colleges and universities — including seven Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) — were forced to close or lock down after receiving similar reports.
In Maryland, Bowie State University, Morgan State University, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore reported they had not received any direct threats but confirmed they were closely monitoring the situation.
Nationally, institutions affected by similar investigations included the University of Massachusetts Boston; Santa Fe Prep in New Mexico; Alabama State University; Bethune-Cookman University in Florida; Southern University in Louisiana; Clark Atlanta University in Georgia; and both Virginia State and Hampton universities in Virginia.
Officials have urged continued vigilance but emphasized that the threats to the U.S. Naval Academy have been determined to be non-credible.
CHICAGO, IL (Cook County) — Chicago police and emergency crews responded to an officer-involved shooting following a chaotic pursuit involving a stolen ambulance from Loretto Hospital.
According to preliminary reports, officers were dispatched to the intersection of West Chicago Avenue and North Cicero Avenue after a suspect allegedly stole an ambulance from the hospital premises.
During the ensuing pursuit, the suspect reportedly struck multiple police officers with the vehicle, prompting officers to discharge their weapons.
The suspect was subsequently taken into custody at the scene.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have been requested for two injured officers, who were transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Their conditions have not yet been released.
Authorities have secured the area, and multiple law enforcement units remain on scene as the investigation continues.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) has been notified and will review the incident in accordance with department policy.