Journalism is not typically considered a life-threatening job,
especially not within North America. However, on the morning of
Wednesday, August 26th, during a live broadcast on WDBJ7 in Bedford
County, Virginia, a news reporter and a photographer were both shot and
killed. The shooting took place at Bridgewater Plaza on Smith Mountain
Lake, while Parker was interviewing Vicki Gardner, the head of the Smith
Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce, live on the air. Gardner was shot in
the back, however she is listed in stable condition.
News
reporter Alison Parker, 24, and photographer Adam War, 27, were the
victims of the apparent shooting incident. The suspected gunman is named
Vester Flanagan, who is reportedly a disgruntled former employee at the
station, who went by the name Bryce Williams when he was a reporter
Shortly after the shooting, Flanagan crashed his car on an interstate
highway and shot himself, later dying from his injuries.
A staff member of both of the victims made an emotional statement following the incident: “This
kind of loss will resonate for a long, long time as we remember in
their short lives what dedicated journalists and what outstanding people
they were.“
The family of the alleged shooter sent a note of condolence via email to the WDBJ-TV news team late Wednesday afternoon. “It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we express our deepest condolences to the families of Alison Parker and Adam Ward,” the note read. “We
are also praying for the recovery of Vicki Gardner. Our thoughts and
prayers at this time are with the victims’ families and the WBDJ7 NEWS
family. Words cannot express the hurt that we feel for the victims. Our
family is asking that the media respect our privacy. Sincerely, The
Family of Vester Flanagan.“
WDBJ7 released a statement from a social media account stating very simply: “We are trying to figure out what just happened — thank you all for your concern and kind words. We love you, Alison and Adam.”
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