HOYER STATEMENT ON THE DEATHS OF ROB HIAASEN, JOHN MCNAMARA, WENDI WINTERS, GERALD FISCHMAN, AND REBECCA SMITH

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on the deaths of Rob Hiaasen, John McNamara, Wendi Winters, Gerald Fischman, and Rebecca Smith, who were killed yesterday in the Capital Gazette newsroom in Annapolis, Maryland:

"My heart breaks for the Capital Gazette today. My prayers are with the families, friends, and colleagues of Rob Hiaasen, John McNamara, Wendi Winters, Gerald Fischman, and Rebecca Smith as they grieve for their loved ones. My thoughts are also with Rachael Pacella and Janel Cooley as they recover from their injuries.

"Rob was an outstanding editor who cared deeply about his staff and mentoring reporters. I enjoyed our many conversations over the years and valued his insight.

"John was a talented reporter and editor who I was fortunate to work with in his coverage of Bowie and local politics. His coverage was always fair, and I appreciated his diligence and commitment to his profession.

"Wendi was a prolific and hardworking reporter. She was well known in her community for her reporting, volunteer work, and role as a ‘proud Navy mom.'

"Gerald was a dedicated editor and excellent writer, with a knack for the issues most important to the people of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

"Rebecca was a kind and thoughtful person and a friend to many.

"The talented men and women of the Capital Gazette newsroom are dedicated to telling the stories of their community. The fact that they worked through their grief to put out today's paper is a testament to that dedication. I've had the pleasure of working with many of the hardworking editors, reporters, and staff over the years, and this senseless act of violence is deeply upsetting. A free press is one of our nation's founding principles, and this unconscionable attack is extremely troubling.

"I stand with the Capital Gazette as they grieve the loss of their colleagues and friends."