Police said alleged shooter Jarrod Ramos, 38, fired a shotgun and armed smoke grenades at staffers, killing five, and was then swiftly taken into custody by officers who rushed into the building.
RELATED: Identities of all five victims of Annapolis shooting released
After the tragic loss, the paper took to Twitter to honor each victim:
Editorial writer Gerald Fischman
Gerald Fischman’s personality was so quiet and withdrawn that it hid the brilliant mind, wry wit and “wicked pen” that his colleagues would treasure.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
Editor Rob Hiaasen
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
Reporter and editor John McNamara
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
Sales assistant Rebecca Smith
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
Reporter Wendi Winters
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
And while still trying to piece together what happened, the staff refused to let the incident stop them from going to print the next day.
Yes, we’re putting out a damn paper tomorrow. https://t.co/ScNvIK1A4R
— Capital Gazette (@capgaznews) June 29, 2018
The five victims featured above the fold -"5 shot dead at The Capital."
— Capital Gazette (@capgaznews) June 29, 2018
Amid months of verbal and online attacks on the "fake news media" around the nation, the paper took a stand, leaving their Opinion section "blank."
"Today, we are speechless. This page is intentionally left blank today to commemorate victims of Thursday's shooting at our office: Gerald Fischman, Rob Hiaasen, John McNamara, Rebecca Smith, Wendi Winters. Tomorrow this page will return to its steady purpose of offering our readers informed opinions about the world around them that they might be better citizens."
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
While authorities are still investigating Ramos' motives, Tom Marquardt, former editor and publisher of the paper, told ABC News that Ramos filed a defamation lawsuit in 2012 against the paper following a story about a stalking case in which Ramos was the defendant.
Capital Gazette shooting suspect Jarrod W. Ramos, 38, filed a defamation lawsuit against the paper and a columnist in 2012. https://t.co/GN67m4uyLE
— Capital Gazette (@capgaznews) June 29, 2018
"He represented himself and took advantage of the legal system to keep the case alive for a long period of time during which he sued lawyers, judges, anybody who crossed his path and disagreed with him," Marquardt said.
Capital Gazette plans to carry on with their journalistic duties while carrying those lost along with them.