Roanoke shooting

WDBJ7 employees killed in tragedy

Two WDBJ7 employees were murdered during a live broadcast in Roanoke, Va., Wednesday Aug. 26.

Reporter Alison Parker, 24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27, were the two deceased. According to NBCnews.com, the two were conducting an interview with Chamber of Commerce executive Vicki Gardner Wednesday morning.

It was during that interview when a gunman identified as former WDBJ7 employee Vester Lee Flanagan II, 41—also known as Bryce Williams, his on-air name—fired multiple rounds at the WDBJ7 employees, killing them.

Gardner was also caught in the crossfire, but her wounds were not fatal. She was quickly transported to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, per multiple reports. Gardner had successful surgery, and is currently stable.

Virginia State Police pursued the shooter after spotting his vehicle on Interstate 66. Flanagan’s vehicle crashed. After the crash, he was found with a seemingly self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to further reports, he was transported to a nearby hospital where he died.

The motive behind the shooting is not certain. Flanagan, a gay, African American male, faxed a 23-page manifesto stating that he had been subjected to racial and sexual discrimination from the deceased. The manifesto entitled “Suicide note for friends and family” detailed his plan to kill. The title alone indicated he intended to kill himself as well.

Vigils and memorial services have been held in honor of Parker and Ward at many locations including Parker’s Alma mater (James Madison University) and in front of the WDBJ7 studio in Roanoke.

Haywood is the editor-in-chief.