ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Maryland representatives sent a letter to President Trump on Monday requesting that Wendi Winters be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her bravery during the Capital Gazette shooting.
The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award and is awarded by the president to those who have made commendable contributions to the security and safety of the U.S. and other people.
Wendi Winters was one of five victims who was shot and killed at the mass shooting at the Capital Gazette newsroom last month in Annapolis, Maryland.
According to eyewitnesses, Winters armed herself with trash and recycling bins and charged at the shooter to distract him, which allowed other coworkers enough time to escape.
"Previous Presidents have awarded the Medal of Freedom posthumously on dozens of occasions and we believe Wendi is a hero deserving of the same," the letter said. "She died not only protecting her colleagues, but in defense of the First Amendment."
To date, President Trump has not awarded any Medals of Freedom.
The letter was signed by nine Maryland representatives, including Senator Ben Cardin and Senator Chris Van Hollen.
