Annapolis, Maryland — Authorities have identified Jackson Elliott Fleming, a former midshipman, as the suspect in a shooting incident at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis on Wednesday. Multiple victims are being evaluated following the chaotic event inside Bancroft Hall, the Academy’s largest dormitory that houses the Brigade of Midshipmen.
The campus was immediately placed on lockdown as law enforcement and emergency personnel responded to reports of gunfire and threats within the building.
Chaos Inside Bancroft Hall
Witnesses described scenes of panic as shots rang out inside Bancroft Hall. Fleming reportedly attempted to gain access to rooms by “knocking on doors and posing as a military policeman,” according to a campus official. Students barricaded themselves in dormitory rooms as alarms sounded throughout the building, and faculty and staff instructed everyone to remain sheltered in place until authorities could secure the area.
Multiple students and personnel were evaluated by emergency responders. While details regarding injuries have not been confirmed, officials say the situation remains under active investigation.
Official Statements
Lieutenant Naweed Lemar, Public Affairs Officer for Naval Support Activity Annapolis (NSAA), provided an official statement confirming the Academy’s 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.”
The Department of Defense also acknowledged the lockdown, stating that federal authorities are closely monitoring the situation. At this time, no further details regarding casualties or Fleming’s status have been released.
Emergency Response
Naval security personnel, local law enforcement agencies, and first responders remain on scene, working to secure the campus and assess the victims. Ambulances were observed entering and exiting the Academy, though the number of injured remains unverified.
The lockdown extended beyond Bancroft Hall to the entire Naval Academy campus and nearby facilities, with authorities urging residents and bystanders to avoid the area while the response continues.
Community Reaction
The shooting has deeply affected the Annapolis community. Parents and loved ones of midshipmen gathered near security perimeters, anxiously awaiting updates, while students sheltered inside dorms. Bancroft Hall, a historic symbol of the Naval Academy and the “heart” of campus life, has never seen an incident of this magnitude in recent memory.
Social media and local news coverage reflected the fear and concern shared across the region, with many emphasizing the importance of remaining calm and following official instructions.
Investigation Underway
Federal authorities, including the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), are expected to coordinate with local law enforcement to determine how Fleming gained access to the campus and the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Officials have stressed that the investigation is ongoing and that updates will only be released once information is verified to avoid misinformation.
Moving Forward
While the U.S. Naval Academy continues to assess the situation and care for the affected victims, community leaders and officials have emphasized the importance of unity and vigilance. Students, staff, and families are urged to remain patient as authorities work to secure the campus and fully understand the events that transpired.
This remains a developing story. Authorities have confirmed that additional updates will be provided as verified information becomes available.
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