WASHINGTON — Across Maryland and the U.S., officials shared their grief, sympathy and horror on social media over the news of Thursday afternoon’s Capital Gazette shooting in Annapolis.
Five were reported dead; the suspected shooter is in custody.
As the news broke, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan tweeted that he was “absolutely devastated” by the attack.
Absolutely devastated to learn of this tragedy in Annapolis. I am in contact with County Executive Steve Schuh, and @MDSP is on the scene assisting @AACOPD. Please, heed all warnings and stay away from the area. Praying for those at the scene and for our community. https://t.co/bI6PdUjHfh
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) June 28, 2018
And, during a news conference near the crime scene later, Hogan credited first responders for arriving quickly.
“I want to praise the local officials who responded so well and perhaps saved other people’s lives by getting there while the thing was taking place and apprehending the suspect,” Hogan said.
In a statement, Hogan commented that “there is no place in our society for this kind of hatred and violence, and the individual responsible for this horrendous crime must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
President Donald Trump, too, thanked first responders and offered his thoughts and prayers.
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.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 28, 2018
First lady Melania Trump called the shooting “tragic and evil.”
Today’s violence at the Capital Gazette was tragic & evil. My heart goes out to all affected in this brutal & senseless attack, & I send thoughts & prayers for comfort to the friends, family & colleagues of those killed & injured.
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) June 28, 2018
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., tweeted encouraging words to Capital Gazette reporter Phil Davis’s haunting account of the attack, after sharing his own words of sympathy.
Phil, I can’t imagine what you and the entire Capital Gazette team are going through right now. Journalists shouldn’t have to fend off bullets in the newsroom while doing their jobs—this is not normal. Stay strong. https://t.co/hchUMIaMN1
— Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) June 28, 2018
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. https://t.co/MINrFfTfUr
— Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) June 28, 2018
Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., tweeted, “My heart is with Capital Gazette and the people of Annapolis right now.”
Devastating. My heart is with Capital Gazette and the people of Annapolis right now. As information continues to come in, I remain as grateful as ever for our first responders. If you’re in the area, please stay inside and stay safe. https://t.co/PyCAjfvd1R
— Senator Ben Cardin (@SenatorCardin) June 28, 2018
Rep. John Sarbanes, a Democrat who represents Maryland’s 3rd District in the U.S. Congress, was “deeply saddened” by reports.
I am deeply saddened by reports of a shooting at @capgaznews. My thoughts are with the paper’s staff and their families at this difficult time. I will continue to monitor the situation and work with local, state and federal law enforcement as we assess these developments.
— Rep. John Sarbanes (@RepSarbanes) June 28, 2018
Other lawmakers, from U.S. senators on Capitol Hill to Maryland state senators, also shared their reactions.
I am deeply saddened by reports of a shooting at the Capital Gazette’s office building. I am praying for the victims and first responders, and I thank Anne Arundel County’s law enforcement officials for swiftly apprehending the shooter.
— Rep. Andy Harris, MD (@RepAndyHarrisMD) June 28, 2018
My heart goes out to the families and victims of the shooting at the Capital Gazette. We have had to witness far too many of these atrocities, and it is time to put an end to them. I will continue to monitor the scene, and ask you all to keep the victims in your prayers.
— Elijah E. Cummings (@RepCummings) June 28, 2018
Monitoring reports of a shooting at @CapGazNews in Annapolis. My thoughts and prayers are with the staff, first responders, & others on the scene. Thank you @AACOPD for your immediate response.
— Steny Hoyer (@WhipHoyer) June 28, 2018
Praying for the safety of everyone in the @capitalgazette family. https://t.co/Xdf1Et5pFC
— Rep. Jamie Raskin (@RepRaskin) June 28, 2018
Sitting here in Annapolis at Kirwan Commission and we get news of mass shooting at Gazette down the street. I just feel sick, and I’m terrified to hear update on Gazette staff. Praying for no serious injuries. This insanity is not normal.
— Bill Ferguson (@SenBillFerg) June 28, 2018
Ben Jealous, who will face Hogan in the 2018 race for Maryland governor, expressed his sympathies as well.
Deeply saddened about these unfolding events in Annapolis. Everyone please stay safe as the police assess the situation. https://t.co/NnJVO0i5sb
— Ben Jealous for Governor (MD) (@BenJealous) June 28, 2018
The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis also tweeted their condolences.
The Capital Gazette is our local newspaper and is often the first to tell our story. We are grieving with their staff and loved ones after the tragic events that occurred today. @capgaznews
— U.S. Naval Academy (@NavalAcademy) June 28, 2018
WTOP’s Sarah Beth Hensley contributed to this report.
