On Thursday, after at least five people were killed by a gunman who attacked the Capital Gazette, journalist and columnist Jimmy DeButts tweeted about the Annapolis, Maryland newsroom.
We don't know much about the attack yet, but as Poynter shared, the shooting is a devastating reminder of the often dangerous work of journalism.
Photojournalist Joshua McKerrow and reporter Phil Davis shared what arriving at and being in the newsroom was like on Thursday. DeButts' tweets offer a powerful testimony about the work of his newsroom.
Devastated & heartbroken. Numb. Please stop asking for information/interviews. I’m in no position to speak, just know
@capgaznews reporters & editors give all they have every day. There are no 40 hour weeks, no big paydays – just a passion for telling stories from our community.We keep doing more with less. We find ways to cover high school sports, breaking news, tax hikes, school budgets & local entertainment.
We are there in times of tragedy. We do our best to share the stories of people, those who make our community better. Please understand, we do all this to serve our community.
We try to expose corruption. We fight to get access to public records & bring to light the inner workings of government despite major hurdles put in our way. The reporters & editors put their all into finding the truth. That is our mission. Will always be.
Bloomberg Government reporter Madi Alexander started a GoFundMe for journalists in the Capital Gazette newsroom.
"We want to do whatever we possibly can to help them pay for medical bills, funeral costs, newsroom repairs, and any other unforeseen expenses that might arise as a result of this terrible shooting," the crowdfunding campaign said. It later continued: "Rest assured, Madi is in contact with journalists from the Capital Gazette newsroom. Both GoFundMe and Capital Gazette staff will be consulted before any funds are withdrawn or distributed. Accountability and transparency are important."
As of 8:30 p.m. Eastern, more than $20,000 had been raised.
"Continuing to cover story with Capital journalists Chase Cook and Pat Ferguson," McKerrow tweeted Thursday evening. "Thanks to our @baltimoresun colleagues who are here too. There will be a Capital Friday."
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include the latest amount of money raised in the GoFundMe.
