Source: Spencer Platt / Getty
UPDATE:
Authorities have announced in a news conference that Flanagan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at approximately 1:30 pm EST.
UPDATE:
The suspected shooter has reportedly shot himself after police stopped him on I-66 in Virginia. While initial reports said Flanagan was dead, CNN is now reporting that he has a pulse and is in very critical condition.
UPDATE:
Authorities have identified the suspected gunman who murdered two journalists in Virginia as Vester Lee Flanagan, who went by Bryce Williams at WBDJ-TV in Roanoke, Virginia. Flanagan filmed his attack and is tweeting live from the road. He also posted the shooting to Facebook.
ORIGINAL STORY:
A reporter and cameraman were shot and killed on live television in Virginia this morning. WDBJ reporter Alison Parker was in the middle of interviewing a woman at Bridgewater Plaza, a shopping center in Roanoke, Virgina, when the apparent gunman entered the live shot and fired what sounded like at least six shots.
The alleged gunman can be seen briefly on camera before the camera drops, while Parker can be seen screaming and running away from the shots.
Parker, 24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27, were both killed in the shooting. The woman being interviewed, Vicki Gardner, executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce, was reportedly shot in the back and is undergoing emergency surgery. The gunman remains at large, but police reportedly have a name and license plate for the suspected gunman.
Parker was reportedly engaged to Chris Hurst, an anchor at the station, and today was her last day at the station. She was moving on to a new job in Charlotte. Her fiance had made plans to join her in Charlotte. WDBJ was reportedly throwing Parker a party today to celebrate her last day and time with the station.
This story is developing. Read more at CNN.
