Naval Academy Locked Down Amid Threat Reports During 9/11 Commemoration

Lead: The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, was placed on lockdown Thursday afternoon as law enforcement investigated reported threats to the campus, coinciding with planned 9/11 remembrance activities.

Nut Graf: The lockdown underscores elevated security measures at military installations on Patriot Day, coming as midshipmen prepared to honor the 2,977 victims of the September 11 attacks through a relay-style flag run and moment of silence.

Lockdown Response and Investigation

• Naval Support Activity Annapolis, in coordination with Annapolis police, initiated the lockdown “out of an abundance of caution,” according to academy and police spokespeople.
• No active threat has been confirmed; officers conducted a building-to-building search of the grounds.
• Videos captured midshipmen and staff entering buildings with their hands raised as a precautionary measure.

9/11 Remembrance Events Continue

• Flag Run: Midshipmen began a 9/11 Remembrance Run at 8:46 a.m., passing the American flag between relay teams from Glenn Warner Field to Smoke Park, concluding around 5:20 p.m., the moment the second tower fell.
• Moment of Silence: An evening reflection at Smoke Park featured a candlelight vigil and remarks by academy leadership, honoring the lives lost and affirming the service’s core values.

Significance and Academy Traditions

The U.S. Naval Academy’s Patriot Day traditions date back to the early 2000s, integrating service, reflection, and community outreach to instill unity and resilience among future naval officers. The combination of solemn remembrance and heightened security reflects both respect for the fallen and a commitment to safeguarding personnel on a day of national significance.