Maryland mass shooting - live: Suspect charged with murder in Smithsburg manufacturing facility shooting
The suspect has been taken into custody
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday
Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
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.
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.”
Tributes pour in for the victims
Friends and family of the victims killed on Thursday by a 23-year-old gunman took to social media to share their heartbreak.
“I’m so sorry to say that Joshua Wallace was one of the ones who was killed in todays shooting.. my heart is completely shattered. I lost the love of my life today,” wrote the 30-year-old victim’s partner on Facebook.
“I love you so much baby, I hate this. Our future is gone, you’re gone, I can’t believe your gone. God I love you so much.”
"Friends, please keep the families of my friends, my co-workers, who were murdered today in your prayers. These were good men, who did not deserve this," wrote Dawn Johnson Greene.
Everything we know so far
Three people have reportedly been shot dead at the Columbia Machine manufacturing plant in Smithsburg, Maryland, on Thursday.
Here’s everything we know so far:
Maryland mass shooting: Everything we know
Latest mass shooting in Smithsburg, Maryland, has claimed at least three lives
Factory workers shot dead in Maryland identified
Washington County Sheriff Douglas Mullendore identified the three killed as Mark Alan Frye, 50; Charles Edward Minnick Jr., 31; and Joshua Robert Wallace, 30.
Sravasti Dasgupta has more.
Three factory workers shot dead in Maryland mass shooting identified
Three people were shot dead at a manufacturing facility in Maryland on Thursday
Victim’s girlfriend speaks out
The girlfriend of one of the victims killed during a mass shooting at a Maryland factory shared her grief on social media Friday.
When news broke that a shooting had occurred at her boyfriend’s work, she asked her friends and family for prayers in a Facebook post.
“Please send lots of prayers!!! There was a shooting at Joshua Wallace work & I haven’t heard anything from him. Please send prayers, I’m so scared,” she wrote on the day of the shooting.
Eventually she would come to have her worst fears confirmed after learning Mr Wallace was one of the three workers killed.
On Thursday evening she shared a photos of herself and Mr Wallace on Facebook along with an announcement that he had been one of the individuals killed.
“I’m so sorry to say that Joshua Wallace was one of the ones who was killed in todays shooting.. my heart is completely shattered. I lost the love of my life today. I love you so much baby, I hate this. Our future is gone, you’re gone, I can’t believe your gone. God I love you so much,” she wrote.
State trooper injured in Maryland shooting released from hospital
The Maryland State Police trooper who was shot trying to apprehend the man who killed three people and wounded a fourth at Columbia Machine facility is reportedly recovering well and was released Friday.
The still unidentified shooter was reportedly a worker at the facility. By the time police arrived the man had fled. Officers provided the Maryland State Police with information on the alleged shooter’s appearance, and a pair of troopers eventually encountered the individual.
One of the troopers was shot during that confrontation. That trooper returned fire, injuring the suspect, and both were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Tributes pour in for three factory workers killed by colleague in Maryland mass shooting
Loved ones and well wishers remembered the three individuals killed in a mass shooting at the Columbia Machine facility in Smithsburg, Maryland.
The tributes to the victims began to appear on social media just hours after the attack at the Maryland facility.
To read about the victims’ lives and the perspectives of those who cared for them, check out Rachael Sharp and Sravasti Dasgupta’s story below.
Tributes pour in for three factory workers killed in Maryland mass shooting
A 23-year-old employee at Columbia Machine in Smithsburg is accused of shooting and killing three coworkers and wounding a fourth
Father of wounded Columbia Machine victim speaks out
Nelson Michael, the father of Brandon Michael, 42, who was wounded during a mass shooting at Columbia Machine in Smithsburg, Maryland, spoke out about his son’s injuries.
“He’s surviving,” he told WSLS, a regional broadcaster. “I’m glad he’s alive, but it’s going to work on his nerves. I know that.”
Mr Nelson did not offer to speculate on the possible motive of the shooter.
“I’m not saying any more,” he said. “I’m just glad my son’s alive, and I feel so bad for the families of the other ones.”
Shooter allegedly began firing at police as soon as they stopped his car
Lt. Col. Bill Dofflemyer of the Maryland State Police told reporters on Friday that the suspect in the Smithsburg shooting that killed three people and left a fourth injured allegedly started firing at Maryland State Police as soon as they attempting to stop his car.
“When troopers went to stop the vehicle, the suspect immediately started firing multiple shots at the troopers,” he said.
The suspect hit one of the state troopers in the shoulder and was later wounded when officers returned fire. The trooper was hospitalised but was released on Friday. The suspect is still under police protection while he recovers in the hospital.
Maryland sees second shooting in two days
Another shooting has occurred in Maryland just a day after a shooter killed three people and wounded another at the Capital Machine factory in Smithsburg.
On Friday, three people were injured when someone open fired at the Shops at Iverson, a shopping complex in Maryland.
Details are still emerging from that shooting.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies