ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland officials say the state recently signed a contract to create a text-message alert system for the state Capitol grounds. The announcement came a day after the statehouse was put on lockdown when an anonymous phone threat was received. Senate President Bill Ferguson told reporters on Friday that the state entered into an agreement with Motorola for a Rave alert system on Monday. Ferguson said discussions about creating an alert system for some time. The Capitol was locked down for about two hours Thursday from just before 5 p.m. until almost 7 p.m. after an anonymous phone threat was made. Officials said no signs of suspicious activity were found.
