Alison Parker, Adam Ward shot and killed in tragic news attack
A reporter and a photographer from a news station in Virginia were reportedly shot and killed Wednesday morning in what appeared to be a random attack.
Alison Parker, 24, and Adam Ward, 27, were conducting an interview for WDBJ7 at a shopping plaza in Moneta, Va., when a gunmen opened fire on them. The incident was caught on camera, and we’re not going to feature it here because the content is incredibly disturbing. You can see it here, if you so choose.
Police were still looking for the suspect shortly after the shooting took place. The photos below appear to show what he looks like:
#Breaking: Clearest pic I've seen yet of the suspect in shooting targeting Virginia TV news crew: #LiveOnKOMO pic.twitter.com/7i0rPzM5ot
— Cayle Thompson, KOMO (@CayleThompson) August 26, 2015
Better pic of the shooter. Won’t be long, scumbag. pic.twitter.com/ayVyluhNKI
— Busted Coverage (@bustedcoverage) August 26, 2015
If you happen to live in that area or know anything about the shooter, we encourage you to get in touch with the local authorities.
Vicki Gardner, the woman who was being interviewed, was reportedly shot in the back during the attack and taken to a local hospital for surgery.
What a truly unthinkable tragedy. Our thoughts are with all of those affected.
UPDATE: The suspect has been identified as former WDBJ employee Vester Flanagan who used to work with the two victims. He shared social media videos of himself shooting Parker and Ward.
UPDATE (11:55 a.m.): Flanagan reportedly shot himself when confronted by authorities and was in critical condition. He had also sued WDBJ in the past for alleged racism.
Photo via Shawn Reynolds/Twitter
