5 Dead, Others Injured In Shooting At Newspaper In Maryland; Suspect Identified

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (CBS NEWS/CBSLA) — Five people were killed Thursday in a shooting at a local newspaper building in Maryland, a senior federal law enforcement source tells CBS News.

The suspect in the shooting is in police custody and has been identified as 38-year-old Jarrod Ramos of Laurel, Maryland, CBS News reported Thursday evening.

Ramos reportedly had previous conflicts with the Gazette. Court documents available online show Ramos had sued the paper and former reporter Eric Thomas Hartley for defamation.

The Gazette published an article in 2011 on Ramos's guilty plea in a stalking case.

On a Twitter account with Ramos's name attached, the user's profile picture was an edited photo of Hartley. According to the bio, the account was created for the user to "defend" himself.

"I'm suing the s--t out of half of AA County and making corpses of corrupt careers and corporate entities," the rest of the bio read.

Hartley now works at a different publication and in the past worked for both The Orange County Register and the LA Daily News.

The shooting at the Capital Gazette newspaper prompted a massive police response, with employees evacuated from the building with hands raised above their heads. The Gazette is a local newspaper owned by The Baltimore Sun.

The first shots were reported at 2:40 p.m. after the shooter entered the building, which also houses other businesses, CBS Baltimore reports. 

Phil Davis, a Gazette reporter, tweeted that he was in the building when the shooting happened. Davis said via Twitter the gunman shot through the glass door to the office and opened fire on multiple employees. He said he hid under his desk and employees heard the gunman reload.

A law enforcement source told CBS News political reporter Katie Watson Ramos "damaged his fingertips" in order to prevent police from identifying him "in him that way."

Smoke bombs and flash bangs were also found in a backpack, according to Watson.

"We've had a terrible shooting incident here this afternoon," Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh said during a news conference.

Schuh confirmed several died. Several others who were injured are being treated at local hospitals. Officials said the suspect was being interrogated.

Gov. Larry Hogan called it a "tragic situation." He and Schuh praised local law enforcement for their quick response, saying they responded within 60 seconds.

Sources tell CBS News five people were injured. One patient is being treated at the University of Maryland Medical Center, a spokesperson confirmed. The seriousness of the patient's injuries wasn't immediately available. Two other local hospitals said they had not received patients.

Among one of the confirmed deceased is Gazette editor and columnist Rob Hiassen, The Baltimore Sun reported. He is the brother of best-selling author Carl Hiassen.

Wendi Winters was reporter and mother of four.

Sales associate Rebecca Smith was engaged to be married.

Editorial writer Gerald Fischman was called "the voice of the paper" and had recently married for the first time.

Writer John McNamara covered local sports for 20 years.

Two law enforcement sources tell CBS News the suspect used a shotgun.

One law enforcement source tells CBS News the suspect is a white male in his 20s and didn't have identification on him. The suspect is refusing to identify himself, CBS News confirms.

Lt. Ryan Frashure of the Anne Arundel County Police confirmed there were "several injuries" as a result of the shooting but declined to provide further details. Frashure said officers are still clearing the building and must look for other dangers, such as bombs and other shooters.

He urged the community to avoid the area and advised that a re-unification center had been set up at a nearby mall.

White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters says President Trump has been briefed on the shooting and "our thoughts and prayers are with all that are affected." Officials said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were responding to the scene.

Capital Gazette Communications' staff includes three people on the executive staff as well as seven editors, according to CapitalGazette.com. Eight staff writers cover topics including courts, entertainment and education.

Police in Los Angeles moved to increase patrols outside various news outlets across the city, adding there was no specific threat.

Security was also stepped up at prominent media outlets in New York City and other potential targets following the shooting.

(This is a developing story. © 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.