Updated 21:40
Police have confirmed that five people were killed and "several others" injured in a mass shooting at the Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis, Maryland.
The shooter has been arrested and is currently being questioned.
Police said officers were at The Capital Gazette building within 60 seconds of the shooting being reported at 2.40pm.
No motive has been disclosed but a law enforcement official said the shooting was being treated as a local incident, rather than terrorism.
Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh said: “We have had a terrible shooting incident here this afternoon,” he said.
“There are several people who have died in this incident and several others injured.
“Those who are injured have been transported for medical care to the Anne Arundel Medical Center and Johns Hopkins shock trauma centre.
“Those fatalities are so sad and I don’t know what to say except that our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families and we take comfort knowing that they are in gods embrace.
“The shooter is in custody and is being interrogated at this time.”
Police response for shooting in my newsroom. @capgaznews. pic.twitter.com/0O1LtlXdps
— Joshua McKerrow (@joshuamckerrow) June 28, 2018
Anne Arundel Police Department's acting chief William Krampf said: "It's going to be quite a while determining occurred, why it occurred and how it occurred.
"We do have fatalities and we do have serious injuries."
"We also have many, many witnesses being interviewed."
The US President Donald Trump tweeted, offering his "thoughts and prayers (to the) victims and their families".
Prior to departing Wisconsin, I was briefed on the shooting at Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Maryland. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Thank you to all of the First Responders who are currently on the scene.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 28, 2018
Earlier, Anne Arundel Police confirmed that there was an “active shooter” at large at 888 Bestgate Road in Annapolis.
Police were carry out searches of the building, describing the situation as "active and ongoing."
#update confirming active shooter at 888 Bestgate Road in Annapolis. Building evacuated. Officers continuing to search building. Relocation point is inside Lord and Taylor in the mall.
— Anne Arundel Police (@AACOPD) June 28, 2018
The newspaper's crime reporter Phil Davis wrote on Twitter: "Gunman shot through the glass door to the office and opened fire on multiple employees.
"Can't say much more and don't want to declare anyone dead, but it's bad."
He said that the single shooter had shot "multiple people at my office, some of whom are dead.
"There is nothing more terrifying than hearing multiple people get shot while you're under your desk and then hear the gunman reload."
I will tweet what I can while I wait to be interviewed by police.
— Phil Davis (@PhilDavis_CG) June 28, 2018
A single shooter shot multiple people at my office, some of whom are dead.
— Phil Davis (@PhilDavis_CG) June 28, 2018
Gunman shot through the glass door to the office and opened fire on multiple employees. Can't say much more and don't want to declare anyone dead, but it's bad.
— Phil Davis (@PhilDavis_CG) June 28, 2018
There is nothing more terrifying than hearing multiple people get shot while you're under your desk and then hear the gunman reload
— Phil Davis (@PhilDavis_CG) June 28, 2018
The New York Police Department is deploying extra protective forces to major media office buildings following the attack.
“We’re deploying units from our Critical Response Command to news outlets throughout New York City,” said Officer Andrew Lava, an NYPD spokesman.
“There is no active threat at this time,” he said.
Similar precautions have been taken in Baltimore.
The shooting is currently being treated as a local incident and not an act of terrorism – however the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is on the scene assisting local authorities.
The shooting is currently being treated as a local incident and not an act of terrorism – however the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is on the scene assisting local authorities.
Absolutely devastated to learn of this tragedy in Annapolis. I am in contact with County Executive Steve Schuh, and @MDSP is on the scene assisting @AACOPD. Please, heed all warnings and stay away from the area. Praying for those at the scene and for our community. https://t.co/bI6PdUjHfh
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) June 28, 2018
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan said he was "absolutely devastated to learn of this tragedy in Annapolis."
He added: "Please, heed all warnings and stay away from the area.
"Praying for those at the scene and for our community."
Mark Brady, chief spokesperson for the Prince George’s County Fire Department said the departmetns bomb squad and Medical Ambulance Bus is on standby.
PGFD in a support role with @AACoFD @AACOPD and have our Bomb Squad and Medical Ambulance Bus on standby in area of the Mall in Annapolis. #888BestGate #MutualAid
— Mark Brady (@PGFDPIO) June 28, 2018
