The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, was placed on lockdown after a former midshipman, previously dismissed from the institution, reportedly returned to campus armed with a weapon, multiple sources within the Academy confirmed.

Gunfire was reported inside Bancroft Hall, the historic and largest dormitory that houses the Brigade of Midshipmen.

Witnesses on campus described a tense situation, with one official stating that the armed individual had been “knocking on doors pretending to be a military policeman.”

In a statement to Fox News, Lieutenant Naweed Lemar, Public Affairs Officer for Naval Support Activity Annapolis (NSAA), said:
“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.”

A Defense Department official also confirmed awareness of the incident, acknowledging the lockdown at the Academy but noting that no additional details were available at this stage.

Law enforcement agencies, including local police and military security forces, remain on site as the situation continues to unfold.

Authorities have urged the public and those with connections to the Naval Academy to await official updates and avoid speculation until further verified information is released.