Editor’s Note: The free press is the last defense of the first amendment. While the demonization of the media continues to run rampant over the last couple of years, it remains an important daily resource nationally, and globally, that many take for granted. When lives are taken of those who are not only serving the community, but serving the first amendment, it is a call to action to support local and national journalists in this tragic time. We are all family. 

A stronger, well-polished press means a stronger, well-informed nation.

For SPN
By the Wisconsin Newspaper Association

Following Thursday’s shooting at the Capital Gazette newsroom in Annapolis, Md., several fundraisers have been set up to help those affected by the tragedy that killed editorial page editor Gerald Fischman, 61; assistant editor and columnist Rob Hiaasen, 59; sportswriter John McNamara, 56; Rebecca Smith, 34, a sales assistant hired in November; and Wendi Winters, 65, a community correspondent in charge of special publications.

We’ve compiled a list, which we will continue to update on our website:

GoFundMe
Bloomberg Government reporter Madi Alexander launched a GoFundMe for the newsroom, which had raised more than $188,000 of its $200,000 goal as of Monday afternoon. Alexander, who does not work at the Capital, said GoFundMe and the Capital will be consulted before any funds are withdrawn or distributed, noting “accountability and transparency are important.”

Capital Gazette Families Fund
The Capital’s parent company, tronc, also announced Friday it was starting a fundraiser “to provide immediate relief and long-term recovery support to those individuals affected by the tragedy. The Capital Gazette Families Fund will be run by the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, a local foundation in Annapolis. The Michael and Jacky Ferro Family Foundation will match up to $1 million in donations, tronc said in a statement.

Capital Gazette Memorial Scholarship Fund
A Capital Gazette Memorial Scholarship Fund has been created to provide an annual award for select students pursuing a degree in Journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park. Three of the victims who died in the attack had ties to the university — Hiaasen was a lecturer in the journalism college, and Fischman and McNamara were alumni. Tronc CEO and Chairman Justin Dearborn, said the victims would forever be remembered as “outstanding people and journalists who we will continue to honor.”

SPJ First Amendment T-shirts
The Society of Professional Journalists is selling First Amendment T-shirts for $20 on its website. All proceeds will be donated to the Capital Gazette.

A global moment of silence
To honor those who were killed and to show support to those who lost family, friends, co-workers and peers, the American Society of News Editors and Associated Press Media Editors are asking newsrooms around the globe to join The Baltimore Sun Media Group in a moment of silence spent in contemplation, prayer, reflection or meditation at 2:33 p.m. EDT Thursday, July 5, 2018.