Sarbanes Statement on Capital Gazette Shooting

Statement

Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) released another updated statement regarding the shooting that took place at The Capital Gazette in Annapolis:

"As yesterday's events continue to ripple through the Annapolis community, I want to again express my deepest sorrow to the families who lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy. We will keep close the memory of Rob, Wendi, Gerald, John and Rebecca. And for those who are grieving, we will do whatever we can to help ease the impact of this traumatic experience.

"I also want to reiterate my deep appreciation for the swift, heroic efforts of our first responders and law enforcement officials, who are continuing to conduct a thorough investigation of yesterday's incident. They answered the call of duty with outstanding professionalism.

"It is inevitable that this terrible shooting will be pulled into the national debate over what we can do as a society to address gun violence. That's fair and appropriate because clearly we must do more. The challenge is to find the political will to enact sensible and widely supported measures that will make our communities safer places to live.

"We also cannot ignore that those targeted were members of our cherished free press who work tirelessly to keep us informed in a time of increasingly coarse and overheated political rhetoric. We honor the courage of the Capital Gazette staff who were determined to press on and publish the newspaper today. They are a tribute to their profession and have quickly cemented the legacy of their lost colleagues.

"I again encourage any individual or family member who needs help to call the Anne Arundel County Crisis "Community Warmline' at (410) 768-5522. Anyone who may have valuable information about yesterday's incident should contact the Anne Arundel County Police homicide unit at (410) 222-4731. If you would like to remain anonymous, please call the Department's 24-hour tip line at (410) 222-4700.

"If anyone would like to come out and honor the victims of this tragedy, I encourage you to join us at a series of vigils this evening. The first vigil, organized by the First Presbyterian Church of Annapolis, will begin at 7:00 PM at the Westfield Annapolis Mall parking lot in front of Pottery Barn (2370 Annapolis Mall Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401). The second vigil, organized by Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley, will begin at 8:00 PM at the Annapolis City Dock (Dock St, Annapolis, MD 21401)."

Source