On 4/16/05 at approximately 10:07 AM, a St. Mary's County Sheriff's Deputy, who was working a special assignment at St. Mary's College, was informed of two devices that appeared to be pipe bombs near one of the student housing units. Upon investigating the complaint, two white, metal cylinders with visible wiring were located by the deputy.
Initial response to the scene was made by the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Emergency Services Team and a perimeter was established and evacuation started. Sheriff's Office personnel were joined and assisted by St. Mary's College Security, Maryland State Police, Department of Natural Resources Police, Charles County Sheriff's Office K-9, Ridge Fire Department, Ridge Rescue Squad and the State Fire Marshall's Office provide bomb technicians.
The college was host to a variety of events including a World Carnival, Lacrosse match and an Open House. Approximately 600 to 1000 students, parents and visitors were on campus and had to be moved to safe areas.
The devices were subsequently determined not to be explosives, by the Fire Marshall's Office bomb technicians, but only metal casings. The campus was reopened at approximately 2:00 PM and all the planned festivities were able to continue.