ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Federal authorities have arrested an Indiana man accused of sending a threatening message that triggered last week’s lockdown at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.
The academy was placed on lockdown Sept. 11, 2025, just after 5 p.m. after reports of a possible threat drew a heavy response from Naval Security Forces and local law enforcement. Midshipmen and staff were ordered to shelter in place while teams swept buildings across the historic campus, including Bancroft Hall, which houses more than 4,000 students.
The precaution lasted several hours, with streets around the campus filled with flashing lights and emergency vehicles. Though officials later said there was no active shooter, two people were injured during the security operation: a midshipman who suffered a gunshot wound and a Naval Security Forces officer who sustained minor injuries. The midshipman was flown to a hospital in stable condition and has since been released.
On Friday, Sept. 12, federal agents arrested Jackson Fleming, 23, of Chesterton, Indiana, in connection with the threat. Prosecutors allege Fleming transmitted the message through a social media app and charged him with one count of transmitting a threat in interstate communication. He made his first court appearance Sept. 15 in the Northern District of Indiana.
If formally indicted, Fleming faces up to five years in federal prison. Prosecutors in Maryland and Indiana credited the FBI, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and local authorities for quickly tracking the suspect.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue to review what led to the lockdown and the events that followed.
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