Reporter and Cameraman shot by unknown gunman on-air

A reporter and cameraman were shot while broadcasting with one injured in Moneta, Virginia, in a shooting that was partially captured on video which has now been taking down due to violation of youtube privacy on Wednesday morning.

The incident happened around 6:45 am at the Bridgewater Plaza near Smith Mountain Lake. A news crew from WDBJ7 local news was on the scene to film a segment for the morning news when several shots rang out. Screams followed and the camera recording the feature fell, as producers cut to the shocked studio news team.

The station later announced that two of their team, Alison Parker, 24, and Adam Ward, 27, had been shot dead.
“Today was just like any other day,” anchor Kim McBroom said on the morning broadcast. “They did great work every day and put their all into everything they did.

“They were special people. They would lighten up a room.”

Jeff Marks, general manager, recounted what police had told the station. “Someone with a gun, we believe it was a man, barged into where they were and fired several shots, six or seven, it sounded like. We heard screaming, and then we heard nothing, the camera fell.

“The scene was described to us as chaos.”

He expressed disbelief at the shooting: “How can this individual have robbed these families of Adam and Alison of their happiness and their love, for whatever reason.”

Reuters confirm the story with tweets below:

BREAKING NEWS: Alleged shooter of two Virginia journalists has shot himself: local ABC affiliate Twitter account

— Reuters U.S. News (@ReutersUS) August 26, 2015

BREAKING: Local media reports suspect in Virginia shooting of two journalists has been identified, is being pursued.

— Reuters U.S. News (@ReutersUS) August 26, 2015