Two journalists shot dead during live broadcast in Virginia
Two television journalists were shot dead on live television Wednesday in Virginia by a gunman authorities described as a disgruntled employee. The suspect later died of injuries sustained after reportedly shooting himself while fleeing the scene.
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The incident occurred during a live broadcast for WDBJ7 on location in the small town of Moneta in Bedford County, when suddenly shots could be heard, sending the reporter screaming and ducking for cover.
The WDBJ7 television station said that reporter Alison Parker, 24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27, died in the shooting. Reports are emerging that the gunman fired at multiple civilians.
Parker and Ward were filming a feature segment for the morning news programme at Bridgewater Plaza, a shopping and recreation centre.
The suspect in the shooting was identified as Vester Flanagan, 41, according to a
dispatcher for the Augusta County, Virginia, Sheriff's Department.
He was pronounced dead at a local hospital a few hours after the incident after reportedly shooting himself while being pursued by police.
Chilling video
The local TV station's shocking footage of the shooting was published on several websites.
In the video, as the camera falls to the ground, viewers can see a fleeting image of a man in black pants and a blue top who appears to be holding a handgun.
The footage then switches back to the studio showing a presenter looking shocked.
A second video of the shooting, apparently recorded by the killer, was posted on social media even as police tried to locate the suspect.
Video of the shooting was later posted on the Twitter account and Facebook page of Bryce Williams, the pseudonym Flanagan used at WDBJ. It showed an outstretched arm holding the handgun and firing repeatedly at Parker as she tried to run away.
'Terrible crime'
The station's general manager, Jeff Marks, called the shooting "a terrible crime against two fine journalists."
According to WDBJ7's website, Parker graduated from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, was an avid kayaker and attended community theater events in her spare time.
The station says Ward was a graduate of Virginia Tech.
"I cannot tell you how much they were loved. Alison and Adam," Marks said on air.
"Our hearts are broken."
How Alison Parker & Adam Ward should be remembered instead of the horrific video [via New York Daily News] pic.twitter.com/KoNjJOqr7k
— Shawn Reynolds (@ShawnRTV6) August 26, 2015(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS, AP)
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