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News crew killed during live broadcast in Virginia

Posted at 8:35 AM, Aug 26, 2015
and last updated 2015-08-26 08:35:38-04

MONEAT, Virginia – A reporter and photographer from a local news station in Roanoke were shot and killed during a live news interview on Wednesday morning.

The shooting occurred at Smith Mountain Lake in Moneta, Virginia. WDBJ confirmed the deaths of Alison Parker and Adam Ward.  The suspected gunman, Vester Lee Flanigan, also known as Bryce Williams, is a former WDBJ employee.

Flanigan shot himself on I-66 in Faquier County but is still alive, Virginia State Police tell WDBJ.

During a live interview at Bridgewater Plaza, approximately eight gunshots are heard as Parker is seen interviewing someone on-screen. The camera then drops to the ground and the broadcast cuts back to the anchor desk.

The video captures an image of the what’s believed to be the suspected shooter before it cuts away.

Alison Parker and Adam Ward - WDBJ

Alison Parker and Adam Ward – WDBJ

Authorities from Bedford County, Franklin County and Virginia State Police have responded.

This situation is currently ongoing and we will post updates as soon as they become available.

Screengrab from WDBJ

Screengrab from WDBJ

The video was captured by Jamey Singleton on Facebook.  That video is below.

Warning: The video is disturbing.