Linthicum, Md. — A fatal workplace shooting at the Northrop Grumman facility in Linthicum Heights on Tuesday afternoon has left one contracted security guard dead and another in police custody, according to Anne Arundel County Police.
Authorities said officers were alerted to the incident at approximately 3:35 p.m. after receiving a report from the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Police regarding a shooting at the defense contractor’s facility located off Aviation Boulevard, near Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Emergency responders and law enforcement units quickly arrived at the scene.
Anne Arundel County Police spokesperson Justin Mulcahy confirmed that the shooting resulted from a dispute between two armed, contracted security guards assigned to the facility. Investigators determined that the confrontation escalated rapidly, culminating in one guard drawing a firearm and shooting the other.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity, citing the need to notify next of kin. The suspect, whose name has also not been disclosed, was taken into custody without further incident and remains detained as detectives continue their investigation. Formal charges are pending.
Police credited a third security guard with intervening during the violent encounter. According to investigators, the guard was able to disarm the shooter and detain him until officers arrived, preventing any further injuries. Authorities emphasized that no additional suspects were involved and that the incident was isolated to the three security personnel.
Mulcahy confirmed that all guards involved were authorized to carry firearms as part of their professional duties. However, the individuals were not direct employees of Northrop Grumman, but rather worked for a private security firm contracted by the company. Officials have not identified the security firm, stating that the investigation is ongoing.
Law enforcement officials stressed that there was no ongoing threat to the public following the shooting. The facility was secured while detectives conducted interviews, reviewed surveillance footage, and processed evidence. A heightened police presence remained in the area for several hours as a precaution and to ensure the safety of nearby workers and commuters.
Northrop Grumman has not publicly commented on the incident, and authorities have not indicated whether the facility was placed on lockdown during the response.
Anne Arundel County Police continue to examine the circumstances that led to the deadly dispute, including the nature of the disagreement and whether workplace policies or procedures were violated. Additional details, including the identities of those involved and potential charges, are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
Officials described the case as an active and ongoing investigation.