ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan released the following statement on today’s shooting in Annapolis:
“We are terribly saddened by the loss of five members of our community in today’s heinous shooting. The First Lady and I are praying for the victims, those who were injured, and their families, friends, and loved ones in this time of tragedy.
“I am deeply grateful to the first responders who arrived at the scene within moments and saved more lives from being lost. The state will continue to provide any and all resources necessary to assist in the ongoing investigation, and support our community as we work together to recover.
“The Capital Gazette is my hometown paper, and I have the greatest respect for the fine journalists, and all the men and women, who work there. They serve each day to shine light on the world around us so that we might see with more clarity and greater understanding.
“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.”
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on the deaths of Rob Hiaasen, John McNamara, Wendi Winters, Gerald Fischman, and Rebecca Smith, who were killed yesterday in the Capital Gazette newsroom in Annapolis, Maryland:
“My heart breaks for the Capital Gazette today. My prayers are with the families, friends, and colleagues of Rob Hiaasen, John McNamara, Wendi Winters, Gerald Fischman, and Rebecca Smith as they grieve for their loved ones. My thoughts are also with Rachael Pacella and Janel Cooley as they recover from their injuries.
“Rob was an outstanding editor who cared deeply about his staff and mentoring reporters. I enjoyed our many conversations over the years and valued his insight.
“John was a talented reporter and editor who I was fortunate to work with in his coverage of Bowie and local politics. His coverage was always fair, and I appreciated his diligence and commitment to his profession.
“Wendi was a prolific and hardworking reporter. She was well known in her community for her reporting, volunteer work, and role as a ‘proud Navy mom.’
“Gerald was a dedicated editor and excellent writer, with a knack for the issues most important to the people of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.
“Rebecca was a kind and thoughtful person and a friend to many.
“The talented men and women of the Capital Gazette newsroom are dedicated to telling the stories of their community. The fact that they worked through their grief to put out today’s paper is a testament to that dedication. I’ve had the pleasure of working with many of the hardworking editors, reporters, and staff over the years, and this senseless act of violence is deeply upsetting. A free press is one of our nation’s founding principles, and this unconscionable attack is extremely troubling.
“I stand with the Capital Gazette as they grieve the loss of their colleagues and friends.”