At 6:45 this morning, tragedy struck in Moneta, Virginia, when two employees of local CBS station WDBJ were shot and killed on live TV. Reporter Alison Parker was interviewing the local chamber of commerce director Vicki Gardner for what was supposed to be a cheery segment, when eight gun shots went off, killing Parker and cameraman Adam Ward. Gardner was shot in the back and is currently undergoing emergency surgery. The gunman, wearing all black, is still on the loose and reportedly being chased by police. He was believed to be a “disgruntled employee” of WDJB.
WARNING: Graphic footage below.
Here’s what we know about the victims in this heartbreaking story.
Alison Parker, Reporter, 24
I can't believe it's been two years! http://t.co/Htb1NM9rEX pic.twitter.com/11ZBhMhty4
— Alison Parker (@alisonparker13) December 15, 2014
Adam Ward, Cameraman, 27
Congrats to our awesome @WDBJ7Mornin producer Melissa Ott on her new job in Charlotte. We will miss you! ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/o2SYtDdO2V
— Kimberly McBroom (@KimberlyWDBJ) August 26, 2015
News outlets have various speculations of the gunman’s identity, but state police released this photo, in hopes of finding the suspected shooter.
Our thoughts are with the victims’ families at this horrible time. Check back as more details of this story emerge.
UPDATE: 8/26 12:40 pm
The shooter has been identified as former WDBJ reporter Vester Lee Flanigan, also known as Bryce Williams. He reportedly shot and killed himself on I-66 in Faquier County around 11:25 this morning.
This is the suspected shooter, Vester Flanigan, who is also known as Bryce Williams. He is a former WDBJ7 employee. pic.twitter.com/ngXrqHVLmw
— WDBJ7 (@WDBJ7) August 26, 2015
On what looked like his Twitter account, he posted two videos leading up to the shooting at the scene, the second one capturing the moment he opened fire. He also tweeted the following, and the account has since been suspended.
It also looks like he faxed a 23-page document to ABC News last night.
Statement from @ABC: pic.twitter.com/2bMhK2nvS1
— Gio Benitez (@GioBenitez) August 26, 2015