Capital Gazette releases front page following tragic shooting
Despite a shooting tragedy that claimed the lives of five people at its offices, the Capital Gazette declared it would still put out a paper on Friday.
"I can tell you this: We're putting out a damn paper tomorrow," declared Capital reporter Chase Cook, just hours after an active shooter opened fire inside the newspaper's headquarters in Annapolis, Maryland.
Early on Friday morning, the paper released its front page.
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The Capital's headline didn't flinch from what just happened: "5 shot dead at The Capital," it read, leading with the photos of staffers who had been killed on Thursday afternoon.
— Capital Gazette (@capgaznews) June 29, 2018
Along with their photos, the The Capital also published five obituaries for the staffers. They include editorial page editor Gerald Fischman, assistant editor and columnist Rob Hiassen, writer John McNamara, sales assistant Rebecca Smith, and special publications editor Wendi Winters.
Gerald Fischman’s personality was so quiet and withdrawn that it hid the brilliant mind, wry wit and “wicked pen” that his colleagues would treasure.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
In an additional tweet, the paper displayed its op-ed page, paying tribute again to its fallen members.
Tomorrow this Capital page will return to its steady purpose of offering readers informed opinion about the world around them. But today, we are speechless. pic.twitter.com/5HzKN2IW7Q
— Capital Gazette (@capgaznews) June 29, 2018
Earlier in the day, The Capital's editor Jimmy DeButts reiterated the newspaper's mission on Twitter, writing of its commitment to telling stories, even in the most trying of circumstances.
"There are no 40 hour weeks, no big paydays - just a passion for telling stories from our community," he wrote.
"We keep doing more with less. We find ways to cover high school sports, breaking news, tax hikes, school budgets & local entertainment. We are there in times of tragedy. We do our best to share the stories of people, those who make our community better. Please understand, we do all this to serve our community.
"We try to expose corruption. We fight to get access to public records & bring to light the inner workings of government despite major hurdles put in our way. The reporters & editors put their all into finding the truth. That is our mission. Will always be."
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