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Capital Gazette shooting: five dead after gunman opens fire at newspaper office – live updates Capital Gazette shooting: five dead after gunman opens fire at newspaper office – live updates
(35 minutes later)
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders tweeted a condemnation of the “evil act of senseless violence”, adding: “A violent attack on innocent journalists doing their job is an attack on every American.”
Strongly condemn the evil act of senseless violence in Annapolis, MD. A violent attack on innocent journalists doing their job is an attack on every American. Our prayers are with the victims and their friends and families.
Sanders’ tweet follows a brief exchange between the White House pool reporter and White House deputy press secretary Lindsay Walters: “Asked about the president’s criticism of the press corps she said the president and his staff do not believe violence is acceptable in any situation ‘and we stand by that.’”
Law enforcement has not released any information as to a possible motive for the attack.
Anne Arundel County executive Steve Schuh told the Associated Press that the suspect “has not been very forthcoming”.
“To my knowledge, there was no verbal aspect to the incident where he declared his motives or anything else, so at this point we just don’t know,” Schuh said.
The Baltimore Sun has published a history of its sister newspapers, the Maryland Gazette and the Capital.
The Maryland Gazette was founded in 1727, making it the seventh newspaper in what is now the United States.
“In July 1776, the Gazette was one of the first newspapers to publish the Declaration of Independence, although it appeared on page 2; then, as now, local news took precedence,” writes Sun reporter Chris Kaltenbach.
The Capital was founded in 1884, and the two papers merged in 1919. The papers were sold to the Baltimore Sun Media Group in 2014.
Jimmy DeButts, an editor for the Capital Gazette, wrote about the work of the paper’s staff in a series of tweets.
Devastated & heartbroken. Numb. Please stop asking for information/interviews. I’m in no position to speak, just know @capgaznews reporters & editors give all they have every day. There are no 40 hour weeks, no big paydays - just a passion for telling stories from our communty.
We keep doing more with less. We find ways to cover high school sports, breaking news, tax hikes, school budgets & local entertainment.
We are there in times of tragedy. We do our best to share the stories of people, those who make our community better. Please understand, we do all this to serve our community.
We try to expose corruption. We fight to get access to public records & bring to light the inner workings of government despite major hurdles put in our way. The reporters & editors put their all into finding the truth. That is our mission. Will always be.
Capital Gazette reporter Chase Cook reiterated Joshua McKerrow’s promise in a tweet, writing, “I can tell you this: We are putting out a damn paper tomorrow.”
Ben Jacobs is on the ground at the site of the shooting.Ben Jacobs is on the ground at the site of the shooting.
The scene in Annapolis mixed the mundane with the grotesque.The scene in Annapolis mixed the mundane with the grotesque.
The office building that held the Capital Gazette was ringed by emergency vehicles of every type: police cars, fire trucks, ambulances and a mobile command center or two. Helicopters whirled over ahead while police officers in tactical vests and even camouflage milled about off in the distanceThe office building that held the Capital Gazette was ringed by emergency vehicles of every type: police cars, fire trucks, ambulances and a mobile command center or two. Helicopters whirled over ahead while police officers in tactical vests and even camouflage milled about off in the distance
The building, across the street from a popular shopping mall, could have been anywhere the the United States from Annapolis, Maryland to Yuma, Arizona. It held a variety of professional offices. There were banks with a drive through in windows both in front of the offices and across the service street that led into its parking lot.The building, across the street from a popular shopping mall, could have been anywhere the the United States from Annapolis, Maryland to Yuma, Arizona. It held a variety of professional offices. There were banks with a drive through in windows both in front of the offices and across the service street that led into its parking lot.
The media nestled in a small bank of grass next to the shopping mall in front of a strip mall that advertised a “psychotherapeutics services” offices. A long row of camera crews stretched nearly a block with reporters from all over the world speaking in several different languages.The media nestled in a small bank of grass next to the shopping mall in front of a strip mall that advertised a “psychotherapeutics services” offices. A long row of camera crews stretched nearly a block with reporters from all over the world speaking in several different languages.
This is Julia Carrie Wong, taking over our live coverage of the Capital Gazette shooting from San Francisco.This is Julia Carrie Wong, taking over our live coverage of the Capital Gazette shooting from San Francisco.
The staff of the Capital Gazette are continuing to work and report amid extraordinary and tragic circumstances.The staff of the Capital Gazette are continuing to work and report amid extraordinary and tragic circumstances.
Joshua McKerrow, a photojournalist who said he was not in the newsroom at the time of the shooting, has been sharing photographs from the scene on Twitter. Shortly after 6pm local time, he tweeted a promise that there will be a paper produced on Friday.Joshua McKerrow, a photojournalist who said he was not in the newsroom at the time of the shooting, has been sharing photographs from the scene on Twitter. Shortly after 6pm local time, he tweeted a promise that there will be a paper produced on Friday.
Continuing to cover story with Capital journalists Chase Cook and Pat Ferguson. Thanks to our @baltimoresun colleagues who are here too. There will be a Capital Friday.Continuing to cover story with Capital journalists Chase Cook and Pat Ferguson. Thanks to our @baltimoresun colleagues who are here too. There will be a Capital Friday.
Pat Ferguson, another Capital journalist, reportedly told a CNBC reporter and former colleague that he is hard at work, “charging his phone, trying to find colleagues and ‘putting out a paper, goddamn it’”.Pat Ferguson, another Capital journalist, reportedly told a CNBC reporter and former colleague that he is hard at work, “charging his phone, trying to find colleagues and ‘putting out a paper, goddamn it’”.
my high school classmate Pat Furgurson is a Capital Gazette reporter. He told his wife Becky (also a classmate) that he's safe, charging his phone, trying to find colleagues and "putting out a paper, goddamn it"my high school classmate Pat Furgurson is a Capital Gazette reporter. He told his wife Becky (also a classmate) that he's safe, charging his phone, trying to find colleagues and "putting out a paper, goddamn it"
Ben Jacobs, who is on the ground in Annapolis, has been speaking to witnesses.Ben Jacobs, who is on the ground in Annapolis, has been speaking to witnesses.
Carlos Linares, a mechanical engineer from Southern Maryland, was on the fourth floor of the building to see his lawyer when he heard a man shouting at about 2:55. He didn’t think much of it until several minutes later when he heard “a commotion” outside the conference room, saw people in “the corridor and the lobby”, and was told there was an active shooter.Carlos Linares, a mechanical engineer from Southern Maryland, was on the fourth floor of the building to see his lawyer when he heard a man shouting at about 2:55. He didn’t think much of it until several minutes later when he heard “a commotion” outside the conference room, saw people in “the corridor and the lobby”, and was told there was an active shooter.
Within a few minutes a police officer arrived and told everyone to stay where they were, Linares recalled. The police later escorted everyone out of the building with their hands up, and Linares noticed broken glass scattered on the ground on the first floor.Within a few minutes a police officer arrived and told everyone to stay where they were, Linares recalled. The police later escorted everyone out of the building with their hands up, and Linares noticed broken glass scattered on the ground on the first floor.
“I’ve never see so many cops in my life,” he said, describing seeing police in every direction and helicopters in the sky.“I’ve never see so many cops in my life,” he said, describing seeing police in every direction and helicopters in the sky.
Linares said he was asked why he was so calm while they were waiting in the lobby. He said that he had been in the Pentagon on 9/11, albeit on the other side of the building.Linares said he was asked why he was so calm while they were waiting in the lobby. He said that he had been in the Pentagon on 9/11, albeit on the other side of the building.
At a press conference in Annapolis, local police have updated reporters on a few key details.At a press conference in Annapolis, local police have updated reporters on a few key details.
Police have not been yet been able to identify the suspect, who remains in police custody and is currently being interrogated.Police have not been yet been able to identify the suspect, who remains in police custody and is currently being interrogated.
Lt Ryan Frashure described the suspected shooter as a white man. He said he is suspected to have used a long gun in the attack.Lt Ryan Frashure described the suspected shooter as a white man. He said he is suspected to have used a long gun in the attack.
Acting Anne Arundel county police department chief William Krampf said that officers recovered a suspected explosive device that has now “been taken care of”.Acting Anne Arundel county police department chief William Krampf said that officers recovered a suspected explosive device that has now “been taken care of”.
The death toll remains at five. None of the victims have been identified in public.The death toll remains at five. None of the victims have been identified in public.
Lt Frashure said that the suspect did not exchange gunfire with responding officers.Lt Frashure said that the suspect did not exchange gunfire with responding officers.
Steve Schuh, county executive of Anne Arundel county, told CNN immediately after that the suspect was found by officers underneath a desk. His weapon was discovered on the ground close by.Steve Schuh, county executive of Anne Arundel county, told CNN immediately after that the suspect was found by officers underneath a desk. His weapon was discovered on the ground close by.
Four victims died at the scene. One died in hospital, Schuh said.Four victims died at the scene. One died in hospital, Schuh said.
Ben Jacobs is now on the ground in Annapolis. He’s been speaking to workers in the same building as the Capital Gazette, who heard the shooting unfold.Ben Jacobs is now on the ground in Annapolis. He’s been speaking to workers in the same building as the Capital Gazette, who heard the shooting unfold.
Bethany Clasing, a legal assistant who works a floor above the Capital-Gazette, initially wasn’t sure what she was hearing. “I didn’t think it was gunshots at first and then I heard the police and realized it has to be gunshots,” she told reporters. Working in an office with her mother, she had to convince her mother what was happening. “It’s definitely the police they were shouting to get down,” said Clasing.Bethany Clasing, a legal assistant who works a floor above the Capital-Gazette, initially wasn’t sure what she was hearing. “I didn’t think it was gunshots at first and then I heard the police and realized it has to be gunshots,” she told reporters. Working in an office with her mother, she had to convince her mother what was happening. “It’s definitely the police they were shouting to get down,” said Clasing.
She said there was a fast police response and that “pretty soon after the gun shots they were up the floor and telling us to get out.” They were then evacuated across the street to a shopping mall.She said there was a fast police response and that “pretty soon after the gun shots they were up the floor and telling us to get out.” They were then evacuated across the street to a shopping mall.
Looking back at the experience, Clasing said “I was really confused at first, it’s not like you would expect someone to come and shoot up this building.”Looking back at the experience, Clasing said “I was really confused at first, it’s not like you would expect someone to come and shoot up this building.”
We’re expecting another press briefing at 5:30 ET, some reporters on the scene are suggesting that the death toll of five, which was announced earlier, may now be updated.We’re expecting another press briefing at 5:30 ET, some reporters on the scene are suggesting that the death toll of five, which was announced earlier, may now be updated.
Five deceased is no longer accurate, per police at the scene. Would not say if it’s too high or too low. pic.twitter.com/SQ602ULg1IFive deceased is no longer accurate, per police at the scene. Would not say if it’s too high or too low. pic.twitter.com/SQ602ULg1I
Capital Gazette staffers posted a number of distressing eyewitness accounts to Twitter as the shooting unfolded.Capital Gazette staffers posted a number of distressing eyewitness accounts to Twitter as the shooting unfolded.
Active shooter 888 Bestgate please help usActive shooter 888 Bestgate please help us
Gunman shot through the glass door to the office and opened fire on multiple employees. Can't say much more and don't want to declare anyone dead, but it's bad.Gunman shot through the glass door to the office and opened fire on multiple employees. Can't say much more and don't want to declare anyone dead, but it's bad.
There is nothing more terrifying than hearing multiple people get shot while you're under your desk and then hear the gunman reloadThere is nothing more terrifying than hearing multiple people get shot while you're under your desk and then hear the gunman reload
Other Gazette reporters captured the immediate aftermath of the shooting from outside the office.Other Gazette reporters captured the immediate aftermath of the shooting from outside the office.
Massive police response to shooting in my newsroom in Annapolis. @capgaznews pic.twitter.com/M1Bjwa0mMhMassive police response to shooting in my newsroom in Annapolis. @capgaznews pic.twitter.com/M1Bjwa0mMh
Police have yet to ascribe any motive to the shooter, despite being asked multiple times during a press conference outside the Capital Gazette’s headquarters minutes ago.Police have yet to ascribe any motive to the shooter, despite being asked multiple times during a press conference outside the Capital Gazette’s headquarters minutes ago.
CNN are quoting anonymous law enforcement sources saying the suspect is not assisting investigators and not answering questions during interview. The Guardian has not been able to verify these claims, but officers confirmed the suspect was still being interviewed at the time of the press conference.CNN are quoting anonymous law enforcement sources saying the suspect is not assisting investigators and not answering questions during interview. The Guardian has not been able to verify these claims, but officers confirmed the suspect was still being interviewed at the time of the press conference.
Thursday’s shooting is not the first time a local newsroom has found itself the target of a gun attack.Thursday’s shooting is not the first time a local newsroom has found itself the target of a gun attack.
In August 2015, a disturbed former employee for WDBJ7 TV news in Roanaoke, Virginia opened fire on journalist Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward during an on-air interview. About 40,000 viewers reportedly watched the journalists’ murder live – including their own shocked colleagues. Officials said the perpetrator, a former reporter for the station who had been fired, died after shooting himself.In August 2015, a disturbed former employee for WDBJ7 TV news in Roanaoke, Virginia opened fire on journalist Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward during an on-air interview. About 40,000 viewers reportedly watched the journalists’ murder live – including their own shocked colleagues. Officials said the perpetrator, a former reporter for the station who had been fired, died after shooting himself.
The woman being interviewed during the broadcast, a local economic development executive, was also shot, but survived.The woman being interviewed during the broadcast, a local economic development executive, was also shot, but survived.
Chris Hurst, a former WBDJ7 journalist and Parker’s boyfriend at the time, later left journalism and successfully ran for state office on a gun violence prevention platform.Chris Hurst, a former WBDJ7 journalist and Parker’s boyfriend at the time, later left journalism and successfully ran for state office on a gun violence prevention platform.
President Trump, traveling in the state of Wisconsin, sent his “thoughts and prayers” to the victims and their families via Twitter.President Trump, traveling in the state of Wisconsin, sent his “thoughts and prayers” to the victims and their families via Twitter.
Prior to departing Wisconsin, I was briefed on the shooting at Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Maryland. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Thank you to all of the First Responders who are currently on the scene.Prior to departing Wisconsin, I was briefed on the shooting at Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Maryland. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Thank you to all of the First Responders who are currently on the scene.
Phil Davis, a courts and crime reporter for the Capital Gazette was inside the building when the shooter opened fire. He’s given a detailed interview to the Baltimore Sun, the Gazette’s sister paper, describing a “war zone” inside his newsroom as the attack took place.Phil Davis, a courts and crime reporter for the Capital Gazette was inside the building when the shooter opened fire. He’s given a detailed interview to the Baltimore Sun, the Gazette’s sister paper, describing a “war zone” inside his newsroom as the attack took place.
I’m a police reporter. I write about this stuff — not necessarily to this extent, but shootings and death — all the time. But as much as I’m going to try to articulate how traumatizing it is to be hiding under your desk, you don’t know until you’re there and you feel helplessI’m a police reporter. I write about this stuff — not necessarily to this extent, but shootings and death — all the time. But as much as I’m going to try to articulate how traumatizing it is to be hiding under your desk, you don’t know until you’re there and you feel helpless
The report continues:The report continues:
Davis said he and others were still hiding under their desks when the shooter stopped firing. “I don’t know why. I don’t know why he stopped,” Davis said.Davis said he and others were still hiding under their desks when the shooter stopped firing. “I don’t know why. I don’t know why he stopped,” Davis said.
Police then arrived and surrounded the shooter, Davis said. He declined to elaborate.Police then arrived and surrounded the shooter, Davis said. He declined to elaborate.
As the press conference comes to an end, acting Anne Arundel county police department chief William Krampf confirms five people have been killed in the shooting and several others “gravely injured”.As the press conference comes to an end, acting Anne Arundel county police department chief William Krampf confirms five people have been killed in the shooting and several others “gravely injured”.
Maryland governor Larry Hogan said earlier: “Your heart goes out to all the people who lost their lives, all their families.”Maryland governor Larry Hogan said earlier: “Your heart goes out to all the people who lost their lives, all their families.”
Hogan said police responded to the incident within 60 seconds of the shooting beginning. They would not comment on what type of weapon the shooter used in the attack.Hogan said police responded to the incident within 60 seconds of the shooting beginning. They would not comment on what type of weapon the shooter used in the attack.
Police are not able to confirm whereabout in the building the shooting occurred, says Lt. Ryan Frashure of the Anne Arundel County police department.Police are not able to confirm whereabout in the building the shooting occurred, says Lt. Ryan Frashure of the Anne Arundel County police department.
Frashure confirms there is only one suspect in the shooting and the building has now been cleared.Frashure confirms there is only one suspect in the shooting and the building has now been cleared.
City and county officials have confirmed at a press conference that “several people” have been killed in the shooting and “several” others injured.City and county officials have confirmed at a press conference that “several people” have been killed in the shooting and “several” others injured.
The officials confirm that the shooter is in custody. The suspect is currently being interviewed by detectives.The officials confirm that the shooter is in custody. The suspect is currently being interviewed by detectives.
NYPD spokesman confirms that officers are being deployed to the headquarters of major media organizations in New York City, following the shooting in Maryland.NYPD spokesman confirms that officers are being deployed to the headquarters of major media organizations in New York City, following the shooting in Maryland.
Police in Annapolis, Maryland are responding to a shooting at the headquarters of the Capital Gazette.Police in Annapolis, Maryland are responding to a shooting at the headquarters of the Capital Gazette.
An eyewitness account, posted on Twitter by a Capital Gazette reporter, indicate a gunman opened fire on multiple people inside the building.An eyewitness account, posted on Twitter by a Capital Gazette reporter, indicate a gunman opened fire on multiple people inside the building.
Reports indicate the shooter has been taken into custody.Reports indicate the shooter has been taken into custody.
Two state highways were closed in Anne Arundel county Maryland because of police activity, according to the state’s highway administration.Two state highways were closed in Anne Arundel county Maryland because of police activity, according to the state’s highway administration.
A spokeswoman for Donald Trump said the president had been briefed on the shooting, according to a pool report. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all that are affected,” said the spokeswoman, Lindsay Walters.A spokeswoman for Donald Trump said the president had been briefed on the shooting, according to a pool report. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all that are affected,” said the spokeswoman, Lindsay Walters.
Our full story on this unfolding incident is here.Our full story on this unfolding incident is here.