OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) - An overflow crowd gathered at a Maryland nature center to remember Rob Hiaasen who was shot to death along with four colleagues at the Capital Gazette newspaper by a gunman in the newsroom.
Attendees at the "celebration of life" on Monday said they would remember Hiaasen for how he lived, rather than the way he died senselessly at the hands of a gunman. They sought solace with laughter and funny memories, but sobs occasionally punctuated the ceremony.
Hiaasen had just celebrated his 33rd wedding anniversary with his wife, Maria, whose birthday was on the day of the newsroom attack. His widow said Rob was her best friend and a loving, generous partner. "I'm going to try and hold him here," she said, clasping her hands to her heart.
President Rejects Lowering American Flags
President Donald Trump has turned down a request from the Mayor to Annapolis to lower American Flags to honor those killed in the shooting at the Capital Gazette.
Mayor Gavin Buckley told the Baltimore Sun that he was disappointed noting “This was an attack on the press. It was an attack on freedom of speech.”
Maryland’s congressional delegation had put in the request.
President Trump has ordered the lowering of American flags after school shootings.
Governor Larry Hogan ordered Maryland state flags to be lower from Friday through sunset on Monday.
Marching in July 4th Parade
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - A spokeswoman for the mayor of Annapolis, Maryland, says employees of the Capital Gazette will march in the city's Fourth of July parade.
Susan O'Brien, a spokeswoman for Mayor Gavin Buckley, said the newspaper on Monday accepted an invitation from the city.
O'Brien says they will be near the front of the parade behind an honor guard for police and fire and the U.S. Naval Academy Band.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Five employees of the newspaper were killed Thursday when a gunman with a grudge against the newspaper shot them in the newsroom.
