Fundraisers growing in support of those affected in Md. shooting

Following Thursday’s shooting at the Capital Gazette newsroom in Annapolis, Maryland, a fundraiser was set up to help the journalists affected by the tragedy that left five dead.

Bloomberg Government reporter Madi Alexander launched a GoFundMe for the newsroom, which had raised more than $153,000 as of Friday afternoon.

“Our hearts break for our colleagues in Annapolis and 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,” she wrote.

Alexander, who does not work at the Capital Gazette, said GoFundMe and the newspaper will be consulted before any funds are withdrawn or distributed, noting “accountability and transparency are important.” She said on Twitter she is in contact with the newsroom.

GoFundMe has verified the campaign, which has a goal of $200,000

The Capital Gazette’s parent company, tronc, also announced Friday it was starting a fundraiser for victims, families and survivors of the shooting to raise money for both short- and longterm help. The Capital Gazette Families Fund will be run by the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, an Annapolis foundation.

The Michael and Jacky Ferro Family Foundation will match up to $1 million in donations, Tronc said in a statement. Michael Ferro, the largest shareholder of Tronc, stepped down from the board in March amid accusations of inappropriate sexual behavior.

The Associated Press Media Editors pledged support for Capital journalists and staffers and asked journalists across the country to do the same.

“In the coming days, we hope to help in a concrete way to support the recovery, along with our partners in journalism leadership,” APME said in a statement.