The suspect in the mass shooting at a Maryland newspaper office on Thursday barricaded an exit so staff could not escape, a prosecutor says.
Christine Feldmann of Annapolis, who knew some of the shooting victims, stands before flowers, US flags and messages at a makeshift memorial. Photo: AFP
Officials earlier told reporters the accused, Jarrod Ramos, was not co-operating with the investigation.
Police found evidence at the suspect's house the attack on the Capital Gazette in Annapolis was planned.
Mr Ramos, 38, appeared in court via video link to be charged with five counts of first-degree murder.
A judge ordered him held without bail during Friday's hearing at Anne Arundel County criminal court.
Wearing blue detention clothes, the suspect reportedly said nothing, but watched the proceedings attentively.
Speaking at the White House on Friday, President Donald Trump expressed his condolences.
"This attack shocked the conscience of our nation and filled our hearts with grief," he said.
"Journalists, like all Americans, should be free from the fear of being violently attacked while doing their job."
No Police respond to a shooting in Annapolis, Maryland, June 28, 2018. Photo: AFP
The defendant is accused of entering the Capital Gazette office on Thursday afternoon and opening fire through a glass door.
He allegedly hunted for victims and sprayed the newsroom with gunfire as journalists hid under their desks and pleaded for help on social media.
Prosecutor Wes Adams said during Friday's news conference: "We brought to the judge's attention the evidence that suggested a coordinated attack.
"The barricading of a back door, and the use of a tactical approach in the hunting down and shooting of the innocent victims."
Mr Adams said Mr Ramos had "entered through the front door and worked his way through the office".
He also said there was "one victim who attempted to escape through the backdoor and was shot at that point".
The victims were Wendi Winters, 65, editor and community reporter; Rebecca Smith, 34, sales assistant; Robert Hiaasen, 59, assistant editor and columnist; Gerald Fischman, 61, editorial writer; and John McNamara, 56, reporter and editor.
Two other people were hurt by broken glass, said police.
- BBC
