Elfreth Statement on the U.S. Naval Academy’s Lockdown

ANNAPOLIS, MD - Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and member of the Naval Academy Board of Visitors, released the following statement following the lockdown at the U.S. Naval Academy.

"Like many of you, I was in Annapolis when I heard the news that the U.S. Naval Academy was on lockdown. Our Midshipmen are our best and brightest young Americans, and like all students, they deserve to feel safe on campus. Thankfully, the Midshipman who was injured during the clearing of a building is in stable condition. I want to thank our first responders and the doctors and nurses at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center who put themselves in harm's way to respond to and heal those who have been impacted by these events that have become all too common.

"I am committed to working with our state and local leaders, the leadership of the U.S. Naval Academy, and my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee to ensure that the proper lessons are learned from today's events. The safety and security of our Midshipmen is my top priority.

"Following yesterday's horrific shootings on two campuses, as well as today's bomb threats to Maryland state leaders and multiple HBCUs, I am left with a pit in my stomach. Our nation has been broken by gun violence and political violence. Our kids do not feel safe at school or on campus. Public servants do not feel their families are safe in their homes. Parents do not feel safe sending their elementary school children to worship. While there is nothing I can say that will unite our country, I urge us all to take time to reflect. Is this who we want to be as a community? Is this who we want to be as a nation? I have to believe in this moment that we are better than this and that, together, we can recover our collective humanity. Take a lesson from these Midshipmen: Don't give up the ship."

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