City of Annapolis, MD

28/06/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 28/06/2024 13:50

Mayor Gavin Buckley on the Sixth Anniversary of the Mass Shooting at the Capital Gazette

Media Statement

Mayor Gavin Buckley

Public Information Office

160 Duke of Gloucester Street

Annapolis, Maryland 21401

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media contact: Mitchelle Stephenson, 410-972-7724or mwstephenson@annapolis.gov

Mayor Gavin Buckley on the Sixth Anniversary of the Mass Shooting at the Capital Gazette

"Today is June 28, 2024, the sixth year anniversary of the mass shooting incident at the Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis. On that day, we tragically lost five souls to senseless gun violence. Their names are: Gerald Fischman, Rob Hiaasen, Wendi Winters, Rebecca Smith and John McNamara. They are greatly missed by family, friends, and the Annapolis community. May they rest in peace.

"Earlier today, we gathered for a private ceremony at the Guardians of the First Amendment Memorial on Compromise Street. The families asked for this year's acknowledgment to be solemn, a wish honored with a wreath-laying remembrance at 9:30 a.m. for family and invited newspaper staff.

"Being a victim or survivor of violent crime is a traumatic experience. We recognize the need to balance privacy with the needs of the greater community to honor those lost.

"The five wreaths will remain displayed for the next few days at the Guardians Memorial site. Please take the opportunity to visit the memorial and reflect on the importance of our First Amendment freedoms and the role a free press plays in our democratic republic. And please take a moment to remember these victims - and all those in our Annapolis community whose lives have been forever changed by gun violence."

  • Gavin Buckley, Mayor of Annapolis Annapolis, Maryland - June 28, 2024