Concert Honors 5 Slain At Maryland Newspaper
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — It's been exactly one month since the heinous attack on the Capital Gazette newsroom.
5 people were killed, and several others were wounded. Tonight, thousands packed Annapolis for a benefit concert, honoring the victims, their families and survivors of the mass shooting.
"It changed many people's lives, it's just a horrible thing, that I hope never happens to anyone else again." Capital Gazette photojournalist Paul Gillespie said.
One month later, the entire country continues to rally around the Capital Gazette victims and their families. Thousands joined together for the benefit concert, headlined by Good Charlotte, the popular band with local ties to Annapolis.
While the night brought plenty of smiles, it was also packed with emotions, hearing from survivors of the shooting.
"It makes you a little nervous being in public places, but you just gotta live your life." Gillespie said.
And families whose hearts were shattered, like the daughter of 65-year-old Wendi Winters, whose mother was gunned down.
"She would've been here probably covering this event for the Capital, but instead my sister and I are here to receive a flag on her behalf so I thank you for remembering her today." Winters Geimer said.
It was also a chance to highlight the importance of the free press.
"This was absolutely an attack on freedom of press and we're not going to stand by and let that happen." Susan O'Brien, spokesperson for the City of Annapolis said.
And the hope that everyone shows a little more love.
"Local news is important for the community we work in, we're your neighbors, parents, brothers, sister and we're part of communities we cover." Gillespie said.
The City of Annapolis hopes to raise $100,000. All proceeds from the concert go to a fund for the victims, survivors and journalism scholarships.
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