Gunman Kills TV Reporter And Cameraman During Live Broadcast
A gunman opened fire on a WDBJ news crew conducting a live television broadcast from a Virginia shopping center on Wednesday, killing a reporter and cameraman.
WDBJ confirmed that reporter Alison Parker, 24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27, were killed in the shooting.
Local media reports that the shooter is believed to be an aggrieved ex-employee of WDBJ.
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A video of the incident shows the reporter and her interviewee who is an official of the park, screaming in terror after the gunman opened fire.
The photographer apparently fell to the ground, dropping the camera, after which the camera, lying on its side, briefly captures a man firing a handgun while holding a second weapon in his other hand.
The live shot was abruptly cut by producers, leaving a stunned anchor woman speechless.
Police, however, said that they are searching for the shooter and are hoping to get a description out to the public while the incident remains under investigation.
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Police also said that at least one other person was wounded.
According to Franklin County Sheriff Department’s Spokesperson, Phillip Young, the shooting occurred at the Bedford County-Franklin County line in Moneta at 6:45 a.m. on Wednesday.
“There are no words to express how heartbroken I am by the senseless tragedy in Moneta,” he said in a statement.
“My deepest sympathies go out to the loved ones of Alison Parker and Adam Ward, as well as the entire WDBJ family. I ask everyone to join me in praying for Vicki Gardner… and all of the local authorities and first responders who are working hard to find the perpetrator of this horrific crime,” he added.
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UPDATE: August 26, 4:55pm
The Major suspect in the deadly shooting of a television reporter and cameraman Wednesday morning has shot and killed himself, CBS Roanoke affiliate WDBJ-TV reports, citing the Virginia State Police.
Multiple sources confirmed to CBS News that the suspect has been identified as Vester Flanagan.
The suspect, described as a disgruntled station employee, used the name Bryce Williams on television. A Twitter account belonging to a person using that name posted two videos of the shooting from the gunman’s perspective. The account has since been suspended.
