In a harrowing interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Capital Gazette staff writers recounted the deadly shooting that unfolded in their newsroom Thursday, calling for more than just thoughts and prayers.

“I was praying when he started reloading that shotgun that there weren’t going to be more bodies,” said Phil Davis. “And you know what? If we’re going to have a position in our society where all we can offer each other is prayers, then where are we? Where are we as a society? People die and that’s the end of that story.”

Co-worker Selene San Felice, who watched one of the shooter’s victims die, also asked for a stronger response to the violence, saying prayers simply wouldn’t cut it.

“I have heard that President Trump sent his prayers,” she said. “I’m not trying to make this political, right? But we need more than prayers. I appreciate the prayers. I was praying the entire time I was under that desk. I want your prayers, but I want something else.”

San Felice also expressed frustration with the reality of today’s news cycle, which has been so overwhelmed by mass shootings that they seem to receive attention for a short time before the coverage fades.

“This is going to be a story for how many days? Less than a week,” she told Cooper, saying “I’m going to need more than a couple days of news coverage and some thoughts and prayers, because our whole lives have been shattered.”

“And so thanks for your prayers, but I couldn’t give a fuck about them if there’s nothing else,” she added.

The shooting occurred during the afternoon when the 38-year-old suspect, Jarrod Ramos, allegedly entered the building and killed at least five people, injuring others, reportedly motivated by his vendetta over a defamation suit he filed years ago against the paper.

Watch the clip above, via CNN.

[Image via screengrab]

Follow Amy Russo on Twitter: @amymrusso

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