VIDEO: Reporter, Cameraman Killed During Live Virginia News Broadcast, Suspect Shot Himself
Video: Reporter, Cameraman Killed During Live Virginia News Broadcast, Suspect Shot Himself
A gunman killed a reporter and cameraman while they were doing a live news report in Franklin County, Va., Wednesday morning.

UPDATE: The man suspected of shooting and killing two WDBJ news station employees on live television has now died of his self-incflicted gunshot wounds, reports CNN.
UPDATE:
A suspect in the deadly shooting of a television reporter and cameraman during a live report Wednesday morning shot himself, CBS Roanoke affiliate WDBJ-TV reports, citing the Virginia State Police.
The station previously reported, citing the state police, that the suspect died of his wounds. The suspect's condition is critical, reports CBS and the Associated Press.
Authorities described the gunman as a disgruntled station employee. A second video of the shooting, apparently recorded by the killer, was posted on social media even as police tried to locate the suspect.
The suspect is Vester Lee Flanagan II, 41, of Roanoke, said Becky Coyner with dispatch and records at the Augusta County Sheriff's Office. The station said Flanagan appeared on air as Bryce Williams.
EARLIER REPORT:
A gunman killed a reporter and cameraman while they were doing a live news report in Franklin County, Va., Wednesday morning.
CBS News confirms that WDBJ-TV reporter Alison Parker, 24, and videographer Adam Ward, 27, were killed. The incident took place at Bridgewater Plaza in Franklin County. Parker was interviewing Vicki Gardner, head of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, when gunshots begin to ring out.
Parker and Gardner are seen running away while the camera appears to be dropped.

Reporter Alison Parker and videographer Adam Ward (Photo: WDBJ7)
Governor Terry McAuliffe told WTOP on the monthly “Ask the Governor” segment Wednesday that the shooter may have been a disgruntled employee. Law enforcement has identified the suspect and are in pursuit, McAuliffe says.
The Roanoke Times reports that Gardner was shot in the back and is in surgery.
More Patrol

Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →
Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black
Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.
Read More →
Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet
Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals
Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.
Read More →
Streamlight Launches LiteBox 1Million & Portable Scene Light III
Streamlight has launched the Portable Scene Light III (PSL III), which delivers up to 10,000 lumens, and the LiteBox 1Million, a one-million-candela long-range search light.
Read More →
Tasmanian Tiger Introduces the TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4
Tasmanian Tiger has launched the TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4, an open magazine pouch engineered for M4/AR-15 platforms that integrates a plastic clamping device for secure retention and fast magazine deployment.
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Patrol Lights
Whether it’s time to buy a personal patrol light or make the decision for the next department-issued patrol light, what do you need to know? How do you weigh the different variables and make the best choice?
Read More →
Warriors Heart’s Mission to Serve America’s Veterans and First Responders
Warriors Heart works closely with federal and community partners to expand treatment options for veterans and first responders. By combining specialized clinical care with a peer-driven recovery environment, the program helps warriors rebuild strength, restore relationships, and rediscover purpose.
Read More →
How are LE Boots Different for Women?
Boots fit differently for men and women, so how are law enforcement boots for women designed differently from those worn by men? In this video, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, shares all the details.
Read More →