At Least Five Killed in Annapolis Newspaper Shooting

At least five people were killed and two others were injured following a shooting at the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Md., on Thursday afternoon.

Anne Arundel County Police Deputy Chief William Krampf confirmed at least five fatalities, during a press conference hours after the incident.

The victims’ names were released by the Anne Arundel County Police and are as follows, along with their duties at the paper: Robert Hiaasen, Assistant Editor, News; Rebecca Smith, Sales Assistant; Gerald Fischman, Editorial Page Editor; John McNamara, Staff Writer; and Wendi Winters, Special Publications.

Hiaasen was the brother of well-known novelist Carl Hiaasen, who confirmed the news in a Facebook post. “Rob was an editor and columnist at the paper, and one of the most gentle and funny people I’ve ever known. He spent his whole gifted career as a journalist, and he believed profoundly in the craft and mission of serving the public’s right to know the news,” the post reads.

One suspect is currently in custody and police believe no other shooters are in the building. Officers said they had secured the premises after recovering what appeared to be an “improvised explosive device.”

Krampf said the man entered the building, looking for his victims.

“This person was prepared today to come in, this person was prepared to shoot people. His intent was to cause harm,” Krampf said.

Krampf said the suspect targeted the newspaper. Although he couldn’t confirm the gunman’s relationship to the organization, he said there could possibly be a connection through social media.

“A single shooter shot multiple people at my office, some of whom are dead,” he tweeted.

A single shooter shot multiple people at my office, some of whom are dead.

— Phil Davis (@PDavis_LLC) June 28, 2018

Davis took to Twitter to report developments as he was waiting to be interviewed by police.

He said a gunman shot through the glass door to the Gazette office and opened fire on several employees.

“Can’t say much more and don’t want to declare anyone dead, but it’s bad,” he wrote.

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.

— Phil Davis (@PDavis_LLC) June 28, 2018

There is nothing more terrifying than hearing multiple people get shot while you're under your desk and then hear the gunman reload

— Phil Davis (@PDavis_LLC) June 28, 2018

Police — who said they reported to the scene of the crime within a minute and a half — evacuated the premises, ushering people out of the building with their hands up, and continued to search the building.

President Donald Trump addressed the shooting on social media. “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,” Trump said.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan tweeted that he was “absolutely devastated to learn of this tragedy in Annapolis.” “Please, heed all warnings and stay away from the area. Praying for those at the scene and for our community,” he added.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland wrote on Twitter, “My heart is with the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims as we learn more about this terrible situation. We must unite to end the violence.”

The newspaper is part of the Baltimore Sun Media Group. The New York Police Department has dispatched officers to various media outlets in New York City in response to the shooting.