Maryland mass shooting - live: Suspect charged with murder in Smithsburg manufacturing facility shooting
The suspect has been taken into custody
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.
Shooting took place at Columbia Machine
According to their website Columbia Machine is a company that offers “complete equipment lines to customers in over 100 countries.”
Maryland governor says three killed in shooting
Larry Hogan spoke to reporters and said that “my understanding is that there are potentially three people killed.”
US Senator comments on shooting
“I’m closely monitoring the shooting in Smithsburg, and my office has reached out to local officials to learn more and to offer our support,” tweeted US Senator Chris Van Hollen, who is a Democrat.
Multiple people injured in mass shooting at Maryland business
ICYMI: Three people were killed in a mass shooting at a manufacturing business in Maryland, according to authorities.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said that the shooting unfolded at around 2.30pm on Thursday afternoon at the Columbia Machine in Smithsburg, which is located around 75 miles from the state capital of Baltimore.
Rachel Sharp has the story.
Multiple people injured in mass shooting at Maryland business
Officials said that the suspected shooter is ‘no longer a threat to the community’
Pictures from scene of Maryland shooting
Law enforcement give details on shooting
ICYMI: “On June 9, 2022, at approximately 2.30 PM, deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 12900 block of Bikle Road, Smithsburg, MD, in reference to a shooting. At this time the Sheriff’s Office can confirm that there are multiple victims and the suspect is no longer a threat to the community. This is a rapidly evolving incident and we will release information as we are able,” the Washington County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook.
Last fatal shooting in the town was a decade ago
David Creamer, 69, is a member of Smithburg’s volunteer fire department and has lived in town since 1988. He saw alerts related to the shooting go out shortly before 3 pm
Creamer said the last fatal shooting that he can recall in Smithsburg was roughly a decade ago, he told the Associated Press.
“This stuff doesn’t happen here,” Creamer said. “Everybody pretty knows everybody. It’s a family atmosphere. We watch out for each other.”
Maryland mass shooting: Everything we know
ICYMI: Three people have reportedly been shot dead at the Columbia Machine manufacturing plant in Smithsburg, Maryland, on Thursday.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said it was called to Bikle Road, Smithsburg, at around 2.30pm on Wednesday to reports of a shooting.
Bevan Hurley has the story.
Maryland mass shooting: Everything we know
Latest mass shooting reportedly claims at least three lives
Shooting suspect in custody
The shooting suspect, a 23-year-old man from West Virginia, has been taken in custody, police said after a video emerged of the gunman and troopers exchanging fire.
The sheriff’s office said they won’t name the suspect until he is officially charged.
“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,” authorities said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments