It was one week ago today that five staffers at the "Capital Gazette" newspaper were killed by a gunman in their Annapolis newsroom. The American Society of News Editors is asking newsrooms to join the Baltimore Sun Media Group in a moment of silence for contemplation, prayer, reflection or meditation at 2:33 p.m. -- the exact time the shooting began.
A Maryland congressman confirms that the White House initially declined a request to lower U.S. flags to honor those killed in the newspaper’s newsroom. According to the "Gazette," the office of John Sarbanes made the request Saturday, Sunday and Monday after being asked by Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley, but the White House said Monday it would not act. Mayor Buckley announced he was disappointed by the decision. By Tuesday the White House apparently reversed the decision and U.S. flags were ordered to fly at half-staff until sunset.
The City of Annapolis has begun the process of healing after last week’s shooting rampage. Mayor Gavin Buckley asked "Gazette" employees to take part in the city's annual Fourth of July parade and they were greeted with cheers and support along the parade route. Meanwhile, the celebration of life for Capital Gazette shooting victim Wendi Winters is going to be held at a different location. The event will now be held at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. A reception will follow at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis. Graveside services for the Capital's editorial page editor Gerald Fischman will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday at Judean Memorial Gardens in Olney. A memorial service for Rebecca Smith who worked as a sales assistant will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday at the Duda-Ruck Funeral Home in Dun