Four Dead In Shooting At Newspaper Building In Maryland, Suspect In Custody

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Four people were killed Thursday in a shooting at a local newspaper building in Maryland, a senior federal law enforcement source tells CBS News. One suspect is in custody.

The shooting at the Capital Gazette newspaper prompted a massive police response, with employees evacuated from the building with hands raised above their heads. The Gazette is a local newspaper owned by The Baltimore Sun.

The first shots were reported at 2:40 p.m. after the shooter entered the building, which also houses other businesses, CBS Baltimore reports. 

Phil Davis, a Gazette reporter, tweeted that he was in the building when the shooting happened. Davis said via Twitter the gunman shot through the glass door to the office and opened fire on multiple employees. He said he hid under his desk and employees heard the gunman reload.

“We’ve had a terrible shooting incident here this afternoon,” Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh said during a press conference.

Schuh confirmed several died. Several others who were injured are being treated at local hospitals. Officials said the suspect was being interrogated.

Governor Larry Hogan called it a “tragic situation.” He and Schuh praised local law enforcement for their quick response, saying they responded within 60 seconds.

Sources tell CBS News five people were injured. One patient is being treated at the University of Maryland Medical Center, a spokesperson confirmed. The seriousness of the patient’s injuries wasn’t immediately available. Two other local hospitals said they had not received patients.

Two law enforcement sources tell CBS News the suspect used a shotgun.

One law enforcement source tells CBS News the suspect is a white male in his 20s and didn’t have identification in him. The suspect is refusing to identify himself, CBS News confirms.

Lt. Ryan Frashure of the Anne Arundel County Police confirmed there were “several injuries” as a result of the shooting but declined to provide further details. Frashure said officers are still clearing the building and must look for other dangers, such as bombs and other shooters.

He urged the community to avoid the area and advised that a re-unification center had been set up at a nearby mall.

White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters says President Trump has been briefed on the shooting and “our thoughts and prayers are with all that are affected.” Officials said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were responding to the scene.

Capital Gazette Communications’ staff includes three people on the executive staff as well as seven editors, according to CapitalGazette.com. Eight staff writers cover topics including courts, entertainment and education.

This is a developing story.