[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 116 (Wednesday, July 11, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H6064]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR CAPITAL GAZETTE SHOOTING VICTIMS

  (Mr. BROWN of Maryland asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. BROWN of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, June 28, a gunman 
targeted a cherished community newspaper and our Nation's free press, 
killing five people.
  The Capital Gazette is one of our Nation's oldest newspapers, having 
served Maryland's capital city of Annapolis for 291 years. In fact, it 
was one of the first newspapers to publish the Declaration of 
Independence, although it appeared on page 2 because local news always 
took precedence.
  The Annapolis community, which Congressman Sarbanes and I have the 
privilege of representing, is a tight-knit community. The men and women 
lost in this horrific attack were friends, neighbors, and extended 
family members.
  We rise to honor the lives of:
  Rebecca Smith, who was quiet but had a ``big heart'' and described 
herself as a ``bonus mom to the best kid ever'';
  John McNamara, who went by Mac, who loved covering sports as much as 
playing them;
  Gerald Fischman, the consummate newspaperman working 12 hours a day 
or more, who editorialized about gun violence and became a victim of 
it;
  Rob Hiaasen, a giant in stature and in character, who generously 
mentored young journalists; and
  Wendi Winters, a prolific writer, mother of three Navy officers, and 
an American hero who charged at the gunman and saved lives.
  Those who were senselessly gunned down were members of our valued 
local press cops. In America, we cherish and value our free and 
independent press. It is a crucial pillar of our democracy. We should 
not tolerate threats and hatred directed at the media and should 
support those who bring us the news every day.
  Today, we also honor the brave and swift action by first responders 
who were on the scene within 1 minute of 911 calls.
  Today, we honor the enduring courage of the Capital Gazette staff. 
Their dedication and service to their readers and their commitment to a 
vibrant, free press are a tribute to their profession and 
professionalism and to the resilience of the Annapolis community.
  Mr. Speaker, I would ask the House to pause for a moment of silence 
to honor Rebecca, John, Gerald, Rob, Wendi, and all those impacted by 
the shooting at the Capital Gazette.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair would ask all those in the Chamber 
to rise for a moment of silence.

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