TV reporter, cameraman killed during live report; Shooting suspect dies from self-inflicted gunshot wound

UPDATE 1230P (MDT) MONETA, Va. — The suspect accused of killing two WDBJ7 employees died at a hospital in Northern Virginia, according to Franklin County Sheriff Bill Overton.

Vester Flanagan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a Fairfax hospital around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. He is a former WDBJ7 employee.

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UPDATE 11A (MDT) – MONETA, Va. – The man suspected of killing two WDBJ7 employees Wednesday morning shot himself on I-66 in Faquier County, according to state police. The suspected shooter has been identified as Vester Lee Flanigan, also known as Bryce Williams. He is still alive and is in critical condition. Previously, state police said Flanigan was dead.

Click here for live updates from WDBJ7.

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UPDATE 10A (MDT) – MONETA, Va. – The man suspected of killing two WDBJ7 employees Wednesday morning killed himself on I-66 in Faquier County, according to state police.

The suspected shooter has been identified as Vester Lee Flanigan, also known as Bryce Williams.

He is a former WDBJ7 employee.

Earlier Wednesday, state police released this picture of the suspected shooter.

Flanigan killed himself near mile marker 17 on I-66 around 11:25 a.m. Wednesday.

 

The suspect opened fire on WDBJ7 photographer Adam Ward and WDBJ7 reporter Alison Parker around 6:45 a.m. during a live broadcast at Bridgewater Plaza, which is on Smith Mountain Lake.

Vicki Gardner of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce was also injured in the shooting. She is in surgery and recovering.

Click here for live updates from WDBJ7.

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MONETA, Va. – Two WDBJ7 employees were killed Wednesday morning in an attack at Bridgewater Plaza.  Reporter Alison Parker and photographer Adam Ward were attacked during a live broadcast.

This happened during a live broadcast around 6:45 a.m. Police are looking for a suspect who apparently opened fire on WDBJ7 photographer Adam Ward and WDBJ7 reporter Alison Parker.

Adam was 27-years-old. Alison just turned 24. Both were from the WDBJ7 viewing area.

Adam graduated from Salem High School and Virginia Tech.

Alison grew up in Martinsville and attended Patrick Henry Community College and James Madison University.

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Law enforcement is on scene following an incident at Bridgewater Plaza.

The incident happened during a WDBJ7 live report.

Deputies from Franklin County and Bedford County are on scene.

Bridgewater Plaza is on Smith Mountain Lake.

Check back soon for more updates.

Author: WDBJ7 Staff