Two journalists killed during live broadcast
This TV video frame grab courtesy of WDBJ7-TV in Roanoke, Virginia shows Alison Parker (left) the moment shots ring out during an interview on tourism with Vicki Gardner, the local chamber of commerce director, before she was shot and killed. AFP PHOTO
What you need to know:
- Station cuts away to startled anchor as gunman mows breakfast news team.
- Suspect in police custody.
WASHINGTON
Two journalists for a local CBS affiliate in Virginia were shot dead on Wednesday during a live broadcast, with chilling television footage capturing a fuzzy image of the gunman, who was still at large.
WDBJ reporter Alison Parker, 24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27, were shot at close range while conducting an on-air interview.
The killings sparked a manhunt for the suspect and prompted local school officials to lock down their facilities, once again highlighting fears about gun violence in America.
“We do not know the motive. We do not know who the suspect or the killer is,” said WDBJ general manager Jeffrey Marks as he confirmed the deaths to viewers.
WDBJ is located in the Virginia city of Roanoke, about 385 kilometres southwest of the US capital Washington.
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe said the gunman was believed to be “a disgruntled employee” of the network, and that his arrest was imminent.
Police “know the suspect, they have identified the suspect (and) are in pursuit,” he told Washington’s WTOP all-news radio.
Mr Marks said Ms Parker and Mr Ward were “both in love with other members of the team” at WDBJ.
The woman who Parker was interviewing on a balcony at the lakeside Bridgewater Resort in the town of Moneta, near Roanoke, was “seriously injured,” Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia said.
Ms Parker was talking to Vicki Gardner, head of the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce, about tourism development for WDBJ’s early-morning newscast when the gunman seemingly closed in from behind.
Several shots were heard, as well as screams, as Mr Ward’s camera fell to the floor, capturing a fuzzy and chilling glimpse of the gunman, dressed in dark clothing. The station then cut away to a startled anchorwoman back in the studio.
Judging from the video, Mr Marks said it appeared Mr Ward was shot first, with Ms Parker subsequently hit as she tried to run away.
On her Facebook page, Ms Parker — whose birthday was just a week ago — described herself as the “mornin’ reporter” at WDBJ and a ballroom dancing enthusiast.
Late today, the suspect was taken into police custody with “life-threatening injuries” after apparently shooting himself, Virginia state police said.
“Troopers approached the vehicle and found the male driver suffering from a gunshot wound. He is being transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries,” police said in a statement.
