Four dead in shooting at newspaper building in Maryland, suspect in custody - UPDATED

  29 June 2018    Read: 2310
Four dead in shooting at newspaper building in Maryland, suspect in custody - UPDATED

Four people were killed Thursday in a shooting at a local newspaper building in Maryland, a senior federal law enforcement source tells CBS News. One suspect is in custody.

The shooting at the Capital Gazette newspaper prompted a massive police response, with employees evacuated from the building with hands raised above their heads. The Gazette is a local newspaper owned by The Baltimore Sun.

Phil Davis, a Gazette reporter, tweeted that he was in the building when the shooting happened. Davis said via Twitter the gunman shot through the glass door to the office and opened fire on multiple employees. He said he hid under his desk and employees heard the gunman reload.

Sources tell CBS News five people were injured. One patient is being treated at the University of Maryland Medical Center, a spokesperson confirmed. The seriousness of the patient's injuries wasn't immediately available. Two other local hospitals said they had not received patients.

One law enforcement source tells CBS News the suspect is a white male in his 20s and didn't have identification in him. Two law enforcement sources tell CBS News the suspect used a shotgun.

Lt. Ryan Frashure of the Anne Arundel County Police confirmed there were "several injuries" as a result of the shooting but declined to provide further details. He said he believed there to be one suspect, but police are still investigating. Frashure said officers are still clearing the building and must look for other dangers, such as bombs and other shooters.

He urged the community to avoid the area and advised that a re-unification center had been set up at a nearby mall.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan issued a statement saying he was "absolutely devastated" at the tragedy. White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters says President Trump has been briefed on the shooting and "our thoughts and prayers are with all that are affected." Officials said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were responding to the scene.

Capital Gazette Communications' staff includes three people on the executive staff as well as seven editors, according to CapitalGazette.com. Eight staff writers cover topics including courts, entertainment and education.

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A shooting has occurred at the Capital Gazette in Anne Arundel County, Chicago Tribune reported citing The Baltimore Sun.

Anne Arundel County Police confirmed there was an “active shooter” at 888 Bestgate Road, where the newspaper’s offices are located. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed it was responding to a “shooting incident” at the Gazette.

Phil Davis, a Gazette reporter, said that multiple people had been shot. Police did not immediately respond to requests for further information.

Police said the building was being evacuated as officers continue searching it.

Agents with the ATF were on the scene in Annapolis to provide support to local law enforcement, said Amanda Hils, a spokeswoman for the federal agency. ATF can help with tracing weapons, conducting interviews and other assistance.

Gov. Larry Hogan, on Twitter, wrote, “Absolutely devastated to learn of this tragedy in Annapolis.”

He said he was in contact with County Executive Steve Schuh, and that Maryland State Police were on the scene assisting county police.

“Please, heed all warnings and stay away from the area. Praying for those at the scene and for our community,” he wrote.

Police were also at The Baltimore Sun newsroom in Baltimore. Police said there was no threat on the Sun, and that their presence was a precaution.


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