This story has been updated at the end of the article.
A suspect has been apprehended by a K-9 unit in the shooting at Capital Gazette newsroom on Bestgate Road in Annapolis, Maryland. The police were notified after a newspaper intern tweeted, “help us,” and were on the scene in an impressive 60 seconds.
The shooting spree began at 2:45 p.m. Eastern. It lasted only minutes but claimed five lives.
The sheriff of Anne Arundel County, Ron Bateman, has not confirmed the identities of the victims, only that “multiple” people are dead. Bateman also said the danger is over, as the suspect is in police custody. The suspect, a white male in his 20s, refused to identify himself.
A spokesman for the Sheriff’s department, Lt. Ryan Frashure, told CNN, “We’re doing everything we can to secure that building. We’re doing everything we can to get people out safe. We’re trying to minimize the casualties.”
One person has been taken to the University of Maryland Medical Center, although no other information has been made available.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) joined local law enforcement, bomb squads, and fire departments on scene. Other law enforcement agencies have swept the parent company, The Baltimore Sun, for other threats.
Employees, unhurt, have been led out and relocated to a local mall for medical assessment and debriefing.
Phil Davis, a reporter from the Capitol Gazette tweeted, “A single shooter shot multiple people in my office, some of whom are dead.”
Another witness on hand said, “There is nothing more terrifying than hearing multiple people shot while hiding under a desk, and then hearing him reload.”
Witnesses report a shot gun was used in the attack, but law enforcement officers have not confirmed the weapon choice.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan tweeted his shocked response to the assault, saying he was “absolutely devastated to learn of this tragedy. 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.”
Shooting suspect Jarrod Ramos
The president has been briefed but has not made an official statement.
The investigation is under Anne Arundel County police, though other agencies are on site for assistance.
Updated Friday, June 29: 12:30 a.m.
The suspect has been identified as Jarrod Ramos, 38, of Maryland. According to reports, Ramos was angry at the newspaper for publishing a column about him and his conviction for criminal harassment. He tried to sue the newspaper but lost.
The names of the five victims have been released, they are: Wendi Winters; Rebecca Smith; Robert Hiaasen; Gerald Fischman; and John McNamara.
Liberty Nation will update this story as facts are known.
