The Capital Gazette, based in Annapolis, MD, is in a family of local papers owned by The Baltimore Sun. Their coverage includes mostly life, culture, sports, and civic affairs for the Eastern Shore community.
At approximately 2:40 p.m., a then unidentified man armed with smoke grenades and a shotgun entered the first floor offices of the newspaper and began shooting.
Reporters who were in the building said in their own newspaper that
“…they dived under their desk for protection… tried not to breathe or make any sounds, some screamed and others pleaded for help on Twitter.”
Crime reporter, Phil Davis, had been in contact with Annapolis Police spokeswoman, Sgt. Amy Miguez, for a story earlier in the day.
At 2:41 p.m. he texted Miguez again:
“Help. Shooting at office.”
After realizing it was not a joke, Sgt. Miguez called 911.
Also fearing for his life, Capital Gazette intern Anthony Messenger tweeted:
Active shooter 888 Bestgate please help us
— Anthony Messenger (@anthonydmess) June 28, 2018
Minutes later, police stormed the building and arrested the shooter. But not before five journalists for the paper had been fatally shot, and several more gravely injured.
The Capital and The Baltimore Sun would now find themselves reporting a tragedy among their closest friends and colleagues:
We are investigating reports of an incident at the Capital-Gazette building in the 800 block of Bestgate Road in Annapolis. We will share details as we confirm them.
— The Baltimore Sun (@baltimoresun) June 28, 2018
The shooting was the the 154th mass shooting of 2018, according to nonprofit Gun Violence Archive.
Only moments after escaping with his life, Davis began tweeting his experience.
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
And Capital photojournalist Joshua McKerrow, who had not been in the building, began covering the police operation.
Massive police response to shooting in my newsroom in Annapolis. @capgaznews pic.twitter.com/M1Bjwa0mMh
— Joshua McKerrow (@joshuamckerrow) June 28, 2018
As authorities secured the area and began investigating the attack, other journalists and friends from the newspaper checked in with one another.
I am safe. Was not there. On my way to scene.
— Joshua McKerrow (@joshuamckerrow) June 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/dtohl/status/1012425245427412992?s=12
I've done some reporting since getting here. I was not here when shooting occurred. Details I have are a suspect is in custody and five people are dead. Specifically who died has not been released. Others injured but a count not avialable, police said. I'm devastated.
— Chase Cook (The tiels are Poe and Stanley) (@chaseacook) June 28, 2018
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.
— Jimmy DeButts 🇺🇸🇺🇦 (@jd3217) June 28, 2018
Expressions of sympathy came in from all over the world. Including thoughts and prayers from political leaders.
Journalists tell the stories of our communities, protect democracy, & often put their lives on the line just to do their jobs. Today’s attack in Annapolis is devastating. Our hearts go out to all the victims & their families.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 29, 2018
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
During an interview with CNN, Capital Gazette reporters Davis and Celine San Felice — who had both covered mass shooting in the past — shared both their experiences and expectations.
Capital Gazette reporter on CNN: "I'm going to need more than a couple days of news coverage and some thoughts and prayers, because it's our whole lives have been shattered. And so thanks for your prayers, but I couldn't give a fuck about them if there's nothing else." pic.twitter.com/rbjxtV1UbH
— John Whitehouse (@existentialfish) June 29, 2018
By mid-evening, law enforcement sources revealed the shooting suspect’s identity.
Jarrod Ramos, is a 38-year-old former federal employee. Ramos had lost a 2015 defamation case against the paper. The newspaper had earlier reported about Ramos and a criminal harassment case he was involved in.
Employees at the Capital Gazette said he had been making threats against the paper since 2011.
Authorities also released the names of those who had been slain that day. Among the dead were both seasoned journalists and new employees.
Their colleagues and loved ones reflected upon those lost:Gerald Fischman, Rob Hiaasen, John McNamara, Rebecca Smith, and Wendi Winters.
Today, the Capital Gazette lost five members of our family. Stories on all five bright, wonderful lives will be included in the following tweets.
— Capital Gazette (@capgaznews) June 29, 2018
Gerald Fischman’s personality was so quiet and withdrawn that it hid the brilliant mind, wry wit and “wicked pen” that his colleagues would treasure. https://t.co/mGrc90BNMV
— Capital Gazette (@capgaznews) June 29, 2018
Rob Hiaasen’s wryly observant writing style and his generous mentoring of young journalists assured him of roles in several newsrooms, including the Capital Gazette. https://t.co/ZLZWHtp8nQ
— Capital Gazette (@capgaznews) June 29, 2018
John McNamara was remembered by his colleagues for his flexibility, concise writing and extensive knowledge of regional sports. https://t.co/YRBlOyDX6E
— Capital Gazette (@capgaznews) June 29, 2018
Rebecca Smith was a recent hire at the Capital Gazette but had already proved herself a valuable asset. https://t.co/OdHehI3lQY
— Capital Gazette (@capgaznews) June 29, 2018
After a career in fashion and public relations in New York City, Wendi Winters built a reputation as a prolific freelance reporter and well-known community resource at the Capital Gazette. https://t.co/IHfo7ZIkWd
— Capital Gazette (@capgaznews) June 29, 2018
Former colleagues also shared their remembrances.
https://twitter.com/bhuang2012/status/1012535085080498176
READ: The Capital Gazette’s tribute to their fallen colleagues
Throughout the day, Capital Gazette reporters, still recovering from trauma, had gathered in a parking garage near their office.
I can't sleep, so I'll do the only thing I can and report.
Jarrod Ramos, 38, of Laurel, was charged with five counts of first-degree murder in the shooting death of 5 Capital Gazette staffers
He will have a Bail review tomorrow at the Annapolis District Courthouse at 10:30 a.m. pic.twitter.com/B3KaZIQJQc
— Phil Davis (@PDavis_LLC) June 29, 2018
Working late into the night, the Capital Gazette staff managed to create the next days edition.
Yes, we’re putting out a damn paper tomorrow. https://t.co/ScNvIK1A4R
— Capital Gazette (@capgaznews) June 29, 2018
Which was delivered to their community on time, and in full.
With one exception.