During a normal early morning news report about a water park in Roanoke, Va., a gunman shot and killed a reporter and cameraman on live TV.
The gunman filmed his actions just moments before and during the actual shooting.
Police have identified the shooter as Vester Lee Flanagan, whose on-air name was Bryce Williams. He had previously worked with the victims, on-air reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward, while at the station WDBJ in Virginia.
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Vicki Gardner, the Chamber of Commerce employee who was being interviewed, was also shot in the back, but is in stable condition after surgery.
Virginia State Police indicated the suspect fled on I-66, but his vehicle ran off the road and crashed during the police chase. Troopers found he was suffering from a gunshot wound.
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He was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead at 1:26 p.m. E.T.
Many Twitter users rushed to offer prayers for the friends and families affected by the shooting, while others were quick to demand stricter gun control.
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Parker’s boyfriend, Chris Hurst, posted photos of the couple on his Facebook page after the shooting declaring how they loved each other and had plans to get married. He added that he is still in shock and “feels numb.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who were affected by this horrific act.
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