Moneta, Va. – A reporter and photographer from a news station in Virginia were shot to death during a live news interview Wednesday morning.
During a live interview around 5:45 a.m., approximately eight gunshots are heard as a WDBJ reporter is seen interviewing someone on-screen. The camera then drops to the ground and the broadcast cuts back to the anchor desk.
WARNING: The video below shows the shooting as it took place. Viewer discretion is advised.
The video captures an image of the what’s believed to be the suspected shooter before it cuts away.
WDBJ has tweeted out that they are trying to figure out what happened and that law enforcement is on scene.
We are trying to figure out what just happened — thank you all for your concern and kind words.
— WDBJ7 (@WDBJ7) August 26, 2015
WDBJ confirmed that reporter Alison Parker, 24, and photographer Adam Ward, 27, were both killed in the shooting.
It is with extreme sadness that we report WDBJ7's Alison Parker and Adam Ward were killed in an attack this morning.http://t.co/oC9s4vLJXV
— WDBJ7 (@WDBJ7) August 26, 2015
We love you, Alison and Adam. pic.twitter.com/hLSzQi06XE
— WDBJ7 (@WDBJ7) August 26, 2015
Ward’s fiancée was in the control room and saw the shooting, WDBJ General Manager Jeff Marks told CNN.
The other woman who appears in the video was also shot during the attack.
She was transported to the hospital and is now in surgery.
Authorities have a name and license plate number for a person believed to be the shooter, according to a law enforcement official.
“We do not know the motive. We do not know who the killer is,” WDBJ General Manager Jeffrey Marks said. “We do know the Franklin County sheriff … they are working very diligently to track down both the motive and the person responsible for this terrible crime against two fine journalists,” he said during the station’s coverage of the shooting.
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe says the shooter appears to be a disgruntled former employee.
According to a former WDBJ employee, Vester L. Flanagan — the man authorities say they’re seeking in connection with Wednesday’s fatal shooting of two journliasts — worked at WDBJ as a reporter about a year using the on-air name Bryce Williams. The former employee said Flanagan was fired from the station, though the reason for the firing was not made public. A law enforcement source briefed on the search said it is believed that Flanagan is still in the Virginia area.
State police just released this picture of the shooter suspected of killing 2 WDBJ7 employees. http://t.co/Fhs7eFJEJW pic.twitter.com/5iVlGGs1RV
— WDBJ7 (@WDBJ7) August 26, 2015
Flanagan posted a series of tweets to a Twitter account while being pursued.
In the tweets, he alleges several work-related issues with Parker and Ward and also includes a graphic video showing the shooting from his perspective.
His social media pages were suspended shortly after posting the graphic video.
Flanagan’s vehicle was located at the airport.
WDBJ confirmed the shooter killed himself in Fauquier County.
#BREAKING: Man suspected of killing two WDBJ7 employees kills himself on I-66 in Fauquier Co. http://t.co/XLx3pS2I5X
— WDBJ7 (@WDBJ7) August 26, 2015
However, state police then said Flanagan was in critical condition.
He later died at the hospital.
UPDATE: State police now say man suspected of killing two WDBJ7 employees shot himself, and he is still alive http://t.co/XLx3pS2I5X
— WDBJ7 (@WDBJ7) August 26, 2015
This situation is currently ongoing and we will post updates as soon as they become available.
Yes, thank you! RT @ShawnRTV6: How Alison Parker & Adam Ward should be remembered instead of the horrific video pic.twitter.com/5L46G4UJPe
— Brent Watts (@wattsupbrent) August 26, 2015
We didn't share this publicly, but @AParkerWDBJ7 and I were very much in love. We just moved in together. I am numb. pic.twitter.com/tUrHVwAXcN
— Delegate Chris Hurst (@ChrisHurstVA) August 26, 2015
I am comforted by everyone at @WDBJ7. We are a family. She worked with Adam every day. They were a team. I am heartbroken for his fiancee.
— Delegate Chris Hurst (@ChrisHurstVA) August 26, 2015
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
