Annapolis, MD – This past Saturday, July 28, the city of Annapolis hosted a benefit concert for the victims’ families and survivors of the Capital Gazette shooting. The 28th marked one month since a masked gunman stormed into the Capital Gazette’s office, killing five and injuring several others.
The benefit took place along Calvert Street in Annapolis and, as stated on the city’s web site, would “promote freedom of the press and its importance to our country’s democracy.” Thousands reportedly attended the event, officially titled, “Annapolis Rising: A Benefit for The Capital Gazette Fund and Free Press.”
The city’s web site also outlined that several musical guests would perform at the event along with speakers “coming from the world of journalism.” Among those speakers were Comedy Central’s Jordan Klepper and University of Maryland Merrill School of Journalism Dean Lucy Dalglish. Good Charlotte headlined and capped off the event with their performance, putting an end to the all-day affair. The band originated in Waldorf before accruing “massive worldwide popularity,” as quoted from the band’s website.
The event charged $25 for pre-sale tickets and $30 for at the door purchases. The concert’s capacity was capped off at 3,000 tickets and was distributed on a “first-come, first served” basis.
The alleged gunman from the June 28 shooting is Jarrod W. Ramos. He is currently being charged with five counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder, six counts of first-degree assault, and 11 counts of using a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence. On July 30, two days after the benefit concert, the public defender filed a not guilty plea for Ramos.
Ramos is currently being held without bail, awaiting trial.