Maryland mass shooting - live: Suspect charged with murder in Smithsburg manufacturing facility shooting
The suspect has been taken into custody
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A 23-year-old suspect was named by officials and charged on several counts, including murder, after a shooting at a manufacturing facility in Smithsburg, Maryland led to three deaths and one person getting injured.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the death toll after violence broke out at Columbia Machine on Thursday afternoon.
The suspect was shot and injured during a confrontation with a Maryland State Police trooper, the sheriff’s office said. The trooper was shot in the shoulder but returned fire, hitting the shooter who was later hospitalised.
Authorities said on Friday that the suspect — a 23-year-old Hispanic male who was also an employee at the facility — has been charged with dozens of felonies, including murder.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s office, Joe Louis Esquivel, 23, of Hedgesville, WV, has been charged with murder, attempted murder, assault and weapons charges in connection with the Smithsburg shooting.
The suspect, police said, used a semi-automatic handgun, however, the exact calibre, make and model have not been released.
“The motive for the shooting is still under investigation and there remains no active threat to the community,” the sheriff’s office said.
Police confirm three dead and one critically wounded in shooting
ICYMI: “On June 9, 2022, at approximately 2:30 PM, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to Columbia Machine Inc., 12912 Bikle Road, Smithsburg, MD, for reports of an active shooter,” the sheriff’s office wrote on Facebook.
“Units immediately responded and located 4 victims, 3 of which were deceased at the scene and one who was critically injured. The suspect fled the scene prior to Law Enforcement’s arrival.
“The description was quickly released to additional responding units and the suspect vehicle was encountered by Maryland State Police in the area of Maplesville Road and Mount Aetna Road, gunshots were exchanged between the suspect and the Trooper.
“Both were injured and transported for medical treatment. Multiple Federal Agencies, including the FBI and ATF, have responded to assist in the investigation into the incident. There is no confirmed active threat to the community in relation to this incident. “
Locals asked to stay away from the area
Congressman David Trone on Thursday said his office is “actively monitoring” the mass shooing in Smithsburg.
“If you’re local, please stay away from the area as law enforcement responds,” he said.
Victims were all employees of the facility
The people killed in the mass shooting were all employees at Columbia Machine, police said.
The victims have been identified as Mark Alan Fry, 50; Charles Edward Minnick, 31; and Joshua Robert Wallace, 30.
The fourth person who was critically injured has been identified as 42-year-old Brandon Chase Michael, Washington County sheriff Doug Mullendore said.
Suspect used semi-automatic handgun for shooting
The shooting suspect, a 23-year-old Hispanic male, used a semi-automatic handgun to kill the victims, authorities said on Thursday.
However, the exact calibre, make and model were not released by the Washington County sheriff’s office.
“The motive for the shooting is still under investigation and there remains no active threat to the community,” the sheriff’s office said.
The suspect is in law enforcement custody at Meritus Medical Centre.
Support for stricter gun control laws hits highest level in a decade, poll says
ICYMI: Support for tougher gun control laws in the US is at its highest level in a decade, according to a new poll.
The study found 59 per cent of Americans think it is more important to control gun violence, compared to 35 per cent who want to protect gun rights.
Bevan Hurley has the details.
Support for stricter gun control laws hits highest level in a decade; poll
Poll comes as Senators in Washington DC continue to discuss tightening firearms laws
Maryland senator thanks law enforcement officials
Maryland senator Ben Cardin thanked local law enforcement officials, the Maryland state police, FBI, ATF and other authorities who were working to determine the details of Thursday’s mass shooting.
“Horrible tragedy in Smithsburg. My thoughts are with all of the families of the victims today. This cannot keep happening,” he wrote on Twitter.
Footage appears to show Maryland state trooper confronting gunman
Footage posted to social media appears to show the moment Maryland state troopers confront a gunman suspected of killing three people and wounding one other at a Smithsburg manufacturing plant.
The widely shared 45-second clip, which The Independent has been unable to independently verify, shows several vehicles travelling at high speed pulling to the side of the road.
Bevan Hurley has the story.
Footage appears to show Maryland state trooper exchange gunfire with suspected gunman
A Maryland state trooper was caught up in a gun battle with the suspect 8kms south of Smithsburg
‘Committed to meeting your pain with action’, says senator
Senator Chris Van Hollen said action must be taken to stop the killings in the wake of a series of mass shootings that have plagued the United States this past month.
“I’m devastated by the lives taken today in Smithsburg and for the pain, their loved ones are experiencing. Today’s horrific shooting comes as our state and nation have witnessed tragedy after tragedy,” he said in a statement.
“We must act to address the mass shootings and the daily toll of gun violence in our communities. I am committed to meeting your pain with action,” Mr Van Hollen said.
Second shooting in two days
Thursday’s mass shooting near Smithsburg was the second instance of gun violence in Washington County in two days.
On Wednesday, a 19-year-old was shot outside Valley Mall in Halfway, Herald-Mail Media reported.
The accused, identified as 21-year-old Matthew Steven Lookabaugh, was charged with two counts each of attempted first and second-degree murder and first and second-degree assault.
Columbia Machine says they are working with law enforcement
Big-board mold maker and repair services provider Columbia Machine, where the gunman went on a shooting spree on Thursday, told The Sun that they are working with law enforcements officials.
“We are deeply saddened to report that there was a shooting at our Smithsburg facility earlier today, at approximately 2.30 pm. Three of our Team Members were tragically killed and one has been taken to the hospital,” the company said in a statement.
“We are working closely with local authorities, while the investigation continues. Our highest priority during this tragic event is the safety and wellbeing of our employees and their families.”
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