N.J. Admin. Code § Executive Order No. 30 (2018)
Order of Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Recognition of the Five Employees of the Capital Gazette Tragically Killed by a Gunman in Annapolis, Maryland
Issued: July 6, 2018.
Effective: July 6, 2018.
WHEREAS, on June 28, 2018, five employees of the Capital Gazette, a daily newspaper that has been published since 1884, were tragically killed by a gunman in Annapolis, Maryland; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize and honor the devastating passing of all five dedicated members of The Capital newsroom: Gerald Fischman, editorial page editor who had been with the paper since 1992; Rob Hiaasen, assistant editor who had been with the paper since 2010; John McNamara, who held multiple roles with the paper and published two books on University of Maryland sports; Rebecca Smith, a sales assistant who worked in healthcare before joining the paper; and Wendi Winters, who covered local news for the paper and wrote a popular column entitled "Home of the Week"; and
WHEREAS, this attack underscores the dangers that journalists face on a daily basis and highlights the need for all Americans to stand firmly in support of a free press, which serves as a vital safeguard for our democracy and our liberties; and
WHERAS, the Capital Gazette's publication of a newspaper the day after this heartbreaking tragedy was an extraordinary example of resilience and commitment that inspired many around the world; and
WHEREAS, the continuing reminder of the toll of gun violence must only strengthen our resolve to take action at the state level to keep New Jersey residents safe;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHILIP D. MURPHY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:
N.J. Admin. Code Executive Order No. 30 (2018)