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Virginia shooting: police say suspected gunman sustained 'life-threatening injuries' - live updates Virginia shooting: police say suspected gunman sustained 'life-threatening injuries' - live updates
(35 minutes later)
7.09pm BST19:09
Franklin County sheriff Bill Overton is due to appear in 10-15 minutes for a press conference with the Virginia state police, a police spokesman has just told reporters.
The police are expected to give an update on the third victim’s condition, the suspect’s condition and the timeline of the shooting, search and arrest.
6.56pm BST18:56
“We cannot rest until we have done whatever it takes to rid our society of preventable gun violence that results in tragedies like the one we are enduring today,” Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe has said in a full statement on this morning’s shooting.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families, the WDBJ staff and the entire community that is mourning this awful loss. We stand ready to offer whatever resources or assistance we can in the wake of this horrific incident. We also continue to pray for the safe recovery of Vicki Gardner, who was wounded in this terrible incident.
Flowers continue to arrive for @WDBJ7, Alison Parker and Adam Ward. @roanoketimes pic.twitter.com/uSA5sF4cWg
McAuliffe goes on: “as we reflect with heavy hearts on this tragedy, it is appropriate to begin to ask questions about how we can prevent these senseless events in the fuure. Keeping guns out of the hands of people who would use them to harm our family, friends and loved ones is not a political issue; it is a matter of ensuring that more people can come home safely at the end of the day.”
6.46pm BST18:46
Summary
Updated at 7.04pm BST
6.23pm BST18:236.23pm BST18:23
“They were loved, they were positive people, they never shied away from an assignment,” station manager Jeff Marks said of Alison Parks and Adam Ward, his colleagues shot dead this morning at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia.“They were loved, they were positive people, they never shied away from an assignment,” station manager Jeff Marks said of Alison Parks and Adam Ward, his colleagues shot dead this morning at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia.
6.19pm BST18:196.19pm BST18:19
Franklin County and Virginia state police have postponed the press conference about this morning’s shooting and arrest to 2pm ET. You will be able to watch it below.Franklin County and Virginia state police have postponed the press conference about this morning’s shooting and arrest to 2pm ET. You will be able to watch it below.
Meanwhile the Roanoke police department has posted a statement about Alison Parker and Adam Ward, with whom its officers frequently worked.Meanwhile the Roanoke police department has posted a statement about Alison Parker and Adam Ward, with whom its officers frequently worked.
Alison and Adam were both held in high regard by officers for their hard work and professionalism. Alison was always very kindhearted to the officers she interviewed and had the ability to tell a great story. Adam always put our officers, who might have been a little nervous when being interviewed, at ease with his kind words and warm smile. They were a team and we enjoyed working together with them on several stories as a team. They will be missed.Alison and Adam were both held in high regard by officers for their hard work and professionalism. Alison was always very kindhearted to the officers she interviewed and had the ability to tell a great story. Adam always put our officers, who might have been a little nervous when being interviewed, at ease with his kind words and warm smile. They were a team and we enjoyed working together with them on several stories as a team. They will be missed.
Updated at 6.29pm BSTUpdated at 6.29pm BST
6.13pm BST18:136.13pm BST18:13
6.08pm BST18:086.08pm BST18:08
The White House has called the Virginia shooting “another example of gun violence that is becoming all too common in communities large and small all across the United States.”The White House has called the Virginia shooting “another example of gun violence that is becoming all too common in communities large and small all across the United States.”
Press secretary Josh Earnest said:Press secretary Josh Earnest said:
Obviously the thoughts and prayers of everybody here at the White House are with the families of those who were injured and killed. The precise details of threat incident continue to be under investigation.Obviously the thoughts and prayers of everybody here at the White House are with the families of those who were injured and killed. The precise details of threat incident continue to be under investigation.
And while there is no piece of legislation that will end all violence, there are some common sense things that only Congress can do that we know will have a tangible impact on reducing gun violence in this country.And while there is no piece of legislation that will end all violence, there are some common sense things that only Congress can do that we know will have a tangible impact on reducing gun violence in this country.
Congress could take those steps in a way that would not infringe on the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans. And the president has long advocated the president taking those steps, and the president continues to believe that they should do so.Congress could take those steps in a way that would not infringe on the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans. And the president has long advocated the president taking those steps, and the president continues to believe that they should do so.
Updated at 6.15pm BSTUpdated at 6.15pm BST
5.55pm BST17:555.55pm BST17:55
Several prominent proponents of gun control measures, including former congressperson Gabrielle Giffords, have released statements about the shooting.Several prominent proponents of gun control measures, including former congressperson Gabrielle Giffords, have released statements about the shooting.
“We are horrified to learn that two young journalists were murdered this morning doing the jobs they loved,” wrote Giffords and her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly. “Our country has a gun violence problem, and shootings like these are far too common in our country. Many times, they happen behind close doors, in homes and schools and movie theaters.“We are horrified to learn that two young journalists were murdered this morning doing the jobs they loved,” wrote Giffords and her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly. “Our country has a gun violence problem, and shootings like these are far too common in our country. Many times, they happen behind close doors, in homes and schools and movie theaters.
“But this time, the horror unfolded live and on air, for all to see. Our thoughts and prayers are with those whose loved ones were taken from them this morning, with their colleagues at WDBJ7 in Roanoke, and with all Virginians as they mourn this shocking loss.”“But this time, the horror unfolded live and on air, for all to see. Our thoughts and prayers are with those whose loved ones were taken from them this morning, with their colleagues at WDBJ7 in Roanoke, and with all Virginians as they mourn this shocking loss.”
Dan Gross, president of the long-running Brady Campaign, said: “We want you to know that all of us at Brady will not rest until senseless tragedies like this no longer happen.”Dan Gross, president of the long-running Brady Campaign, said: “We want you to know that all of us at Brady will not rest until senseless tragedies like this no longer happen.”
“So often we hear and see stories about gun violence in America, but today Americans watched in horror as it played out on live television. While there are still a lot of questions to be answered about this tragedy – the fact remains that 89 people die every day from gun violence – often at the hands of people who have no legal business owning firearms in the first place.”“So often we hear and see stories about gun violence in America, but today Americans watched in horror as it played out on live television. While there are still a lot of questions to be answered about this tragedy – the fact remains that 89 people die every day from gun violence – often at the hands of people who have no legal business owning firearms in the first place.”
Gross endorsed expanded background checks for all gun sales and closing certain gun dealers.Gross endorsed expanded background checks for all gun sales and closing certain gun dealers.
Updated at 6.04pm BSTUpdated at 6.04pm BST
5.46pm BST17:465.46pm BST17:46
A map of the location of the suspect - presumed to be Flanagan - when taken into custody relative to the scene of the shooting at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia.A map of the location of the suspect - presumed to be Flanagan - when taken into custody relative to the scene of the shooting at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia.
Updated at 6.05pm BSTUpdated at 6.05pm BST
5.37pm BST17:375.37pm BST17:37
Police: suspect wounded and in custodyPolice: suspect wounded and in custody
Suspect Vester Lee Flanagan is being treated for “life-threatening injuries” from a gunshot wound, Virginia state police have said, describing the confrontation with the suspect in a post on Facebook. A suspect is being treated for “life-threatening injuries” from a gunshot wound, Virginia state police have said, describing the confrontation with the suspect in a post on Facebook.
Shortly before 11.30am., Virginia State Police spotted the suspect vehicle headed eastbound on Interstate 66. With emergency lights activated the Virginia State Police trooper initiated a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle.Shortly before 11.30am., Virginia State Police spotted the suspect vehicle headed eastbound on Interstate 66. With emergency lights activated the Virginia State Police trooper initiated a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle.
The suspect vehicle refused to stop and sped away from the trooper. Minutes later, the suspect vehicle ran off the road and crashed. The troopers approached the vehicle and found the male driver suffering from a gunshot wound.The suspect vehicle refused to stop and sped away from the trooper. Minutes later, the suspect vehicle ran off the road and crashed. The troopers approached the vehicle and found the male driver suffering from a gunshot wound.
He is being transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.He is being transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.
The male driver is believed to be the same male subject who shot three people this morning in Franklin County during a television news interview.The male driver is believed to be the same male subject who shot three people this morning in Franklin County during a television news interview.
Updated at 5.46pm BST Updated at 6.46pm BST
5.23pm BST17:235.23pm BST17:23
Flanagan has sued news station over alleged racism before, my colleague Jon Swaine reports, drawing on court documents from more than a decade ago.Flanagan has sued news station over alleged racism before, my colleague Jon Swaine reports, drawing on court documents from more than a decade ago.
In 2000 Flanagan sued WTWC, the NBC affiliate in Tallahassee, Florida, alleging he was sued after objecting to racism he encountered after joining the station the year before. He sought more than $75,000 in damages.In 2000 Flanagan sued WTWC, the NBC affiliate in Tallahassee, Florida, alleging he was sued after objecting to racism he encountered after joining the station the year before. He sought more than $75,000 in damages.
The lawsuit made several wild claims, including that in the summer of 1999 he was called a “monkey” by a producer and learned other black employees had been called the same.The lawsuit made several wild claims, including that in the summer of 1999 he was called a “monkey” by a producer and learned other black employees had been called the same.
Flanagan alleged that later that year a white employee told him it “busted her butt that blacks did not take advantage of the free money” available in scholarships to African Americans attending college.Flanagan alleged that later that year a white employee told him it “busted her butt that blacks did not take advantage of the free money” available in scholarships to African Americans attending college.
He further alleged that a black criminal suspect was referred to as “just another thug” and that a black tape operator was told to “stop talking ebonics”. The lawsuit reached federal court in Florida. According to public records it was settled out of court in 2001.He further alleged that a black criminal suspect was referred to as “just another thug” and that a black tape operator was told to “stop talking ebonics”. The lawsuit reached federal court in Florida. According to public records it was settled out of court in 2001.
5.12pm BST17:125.12pm BST17:12
Suspect Vester Lee Flanagan is in “very critical condition”, local news station WDBJ7 has reported, citing state police.Suspect Vester Lee Flanagan is in “very critical condition”, local news station WDBJ7 has reported, citing state police.
Their report contradicts others from Reuters and other local news reports that he had killed himself.Their report contradicts others from Reuters and other local news reports that he had killed himself.
Police and ambulances have gathered en masse off of Interstate 66 in Fauquier County, reportedly near Flanagan’s car.Police and ambulances have gathered en masse off of Interstate 66 in Fauquier County, reportedly near Flanagan’s car.
Updated at 5.19pm BSTUpdated at 5.19pm BST
5.08pm BST17:085.08pm BST17:08
WDBJ7 station manager Jeff Marks has described Flanagan as “an unhappy man”.WDBJ7 station manager Jeff Marks has described Flanagan as “an unhappy man”.
“Vester was an unhappy man. We employed him as a reporter, and he had some talent in that respect and some experience, although he’d been out of the business for a while.”“Vester was an unhappy man. We employed him as a reporter, and he had some talent in that respect and some experience, although he’d been out of the business for a while.”
“He quickly gathered a reputation as someone who was difficult to work with,” Marks continued, saying that he would quickly “take offense”.“He quickly gathered a reputation as someone who was difficult to work with,” Marks continued, saying that he would quickly “take offense”.
“Eventually after many incidents of his anger coming to the fore, we dismissed him. And he did not take that well, we had to call the police to escort him from the building.“Eventually after many incidents of his anger coming to the fore, we dismissed him. And he did not take that well, we had to call the police to escort him from the building.
“Since then, well, he then filed an action with the Equal Opportunity Employment Committee in which he made all kinds of complaints” about the staff. Flanagan alleged that the staff had made “racial comments”, Marks said, but “none of them could be corroborated by anyone, we think they were fabricated.”“Since then, well, he then filed an action with the Equal Opportunity Employment Committee in which he made all kinds of complaints” about the staff. Flanagan alleged that the staff had made “racial comments”, Marks said, but “none of them could be corroborated by anyone, we think they were fabricated.”
The complaint was dismissed, and although employees continued to occasionally see Flanagan “at the grocery store or something”, interaction was limited and rare, Marks said.The complaint was dismissed, and although employees continued to occasionally see Flanagan “at the grocery store or something”, interaction was limited and rare, Marks said.
He added that Vicki Gardner, the third gunshot victim, has had emergency surgery and is in stable condition.He added that Vicki Gardner, the third gunshot victim, has had emergency surgery and is in stable condition.
Updated at 5.19pm BSTUpdated at 5.19pm BST
4.51pm BST16:514.51pm BST16:51
Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton has posted a call for action to stop gun violence in the wake of the shooting.Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton has posted a call for action to stop gun violence in the wake of the shooting.
Heartbroken and angry. We must act to stop gun violence, and we cannot wait any longer. Praying for the victims' families in Virginia. -HHeartbroken and angry. We must act to stop gun violence, and we cannot wait any longer. Praying for the victims' families in Virginia. -H
Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe has called for a tightening of gun laws.Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe has called for a tightening of gun laws.
“There are too many guns in the hands of people that shouldn’t have guns,” the Democratic governor told WTOP. “There is too much gun violence in America.”“There are too many guns in the hands of people that shouldn’t have guns,” the Democratic governor told WTOP. “There is too much gun violence in America.”
He said he had advocated for strengthening background checks for those buying guns for a long timeHe said he had advocated for strengthening background checks for those buying guns for a long time
4.50pm BST16:504.50pm BST16:50
These are the tweets on the “Bryce Williams” account alleging “racist comments” made by Parker and that Ward complained to human resources:These are the tweets on the “Bryce Williams” account alleging “racist comments” made by Parker and that Ward complained to human resources:
Updated at 4.52pm BSTUpdated at 4.52pm BST
4.46pm BST16:464.46pm BST16:46
Reuters is reporting that the suspect has shot himself, citing a local ABC affiliate as its source. The Guardian cannot independently confirm this.Reuters is reporting that the suspect has shot himself, citing a local ABC affiliate as its source. The Guardian cannot independently confirm this.
BREAKING NEWS: Alleged shooter of two Virginia journalists has shot himself: local ABC affiliate Twitter accountBREAKING NEWS: Alleged shooter of two Virginia journalists has shot himself: local ABC affiliate Twitter account
Updated at 4.48pm BSTUpdated at 4.48pm BST
4.43pm BST16:434.43pm BST16:43
Flanagan had a troubled history with WDBJ and sued them in 2014, alleging discrimination, the Roanoke Times reports.Flanagan had a troubled history with WDBJ and sued them in 2014, alleging discrimination, the Roanoke Times reports.
He was hired at the station in the spring of 2012 after working at stations in San Francisco and in Florida, North Carolina, Texas and Georgia. WDBJ let him go in February 2013.He was hired at the station in the spring of 2012 after working at stations in San Francisco and in Florida, North Carolina, Texas and Georgia. WDBJ let him go in February 2013.
In May 2014, Flanagan filed suit against the station in Roanoke General District Court, seeking money he felt he was owed and additional damages. His suit alleged discrimination by the station and named most of the WDBJ staff in his complaint, but in July 2014, the case was dismissed by a judge.In May 2014, Flanagan filed suit against the station in Roanoke General District Court, seeking money he felt he was owed and additional damages. His suit alleged discrimination by the station and named most of the WDBJ staff in his complaint, but in July 2014, the case was dismissed by a judge.
Over the past week, a Facebook page in the name “Bryce Williams” was updated to include silent video recordings of stories Flanagan worked on as Bryce Williams. One of the clips showed Flanagan in a gun store, holding a weapon.Over the past week, a Facebook page in the name “Bryce Williams” was updated to include silent video recordings of stories Flanagan worked on as Bryce Williams. One of the clips showed Flanagan in a gun store, holding a weapon.
Twitter has suspended the account running under the name Bryce Williams, where the user had recently posted the following photograph of a news story about Flanagan’s lawsuit against the station.Twitter has suspended the account running under the name Bryce Williams, where the user had recently posted the following photograph of a news story about Flanagan’s lawsuit against the station.
4.26pm BST16:264.26pm BST16:26
Videos show shootingVideos show shooting
A Twitter account purporting to be run by the gunman has posted a video of the shooting, as well as one of the lead-up to the attack.A Twitter account purporting to be run by the gunman has posted a video of the shooting, as well as one of the lead-up to the attack.
The videos posted in the name of Bryce Williams, the name Vester Lee Flanagan reported under for WDBJ7, show an approach to Parker, Gardner and Ward on the deck where they were filming an interview. The three continue reporting live and do not acknowledge the approaching person. The person filming then angles alongside the cameraman and aims a handgun directly at Parker, who does not appear to notice.The videos posted in the name of Bryce Williams, the name Vester Lee Flanagan reported under for WDBJ7, show an approach to Parker, Gardner and Ward on the deck where they were filming an interview. The three continue reporting live and do not acknowledge the approaching person. The person filming then angles alongside the cameraman and aims a handgun directly at Parker, who does not appear to notice.
A second video shows the gunman shooting at Parker as she runs away from the shots.A second video shows the gunman shooting at Parker as she runs away from the shots.
The video then cuts. The Twitter account has now been suspended. Other tweets stated: “I filmed the shooting see Facebook,” “Adam went to [human resources] on me after working with me one time!!!” and “Alison made racist comments. EEOC report filed. They hired her after that???”The video then cuts. The Twitter account has now been suspended. Other tweets stated: “I filmed the shooting see Facebook,” “Adam went to [human resources] on me after working with me one time!!!” and “Alison made racist comments. EEOC report filed. They hired her after that???”
Updated at 4.33pm BSTUpdated at 4.33pm BST
4.25pm BST16:254.25pm BST16:25
The WDBJ7 crew paying tribute to their colleagues, Alison Parker and Adam Ward.The WDBJ7 crew paying tribute to their colleagues, Alison Parker and Adam Ward.
4.16pm BST16:164.16pm BST16:16
Police are searching for Vester Lee Flanagan II, a 41-year-old “light-skinned black male”, a spokesperson for the Augusta County sheriff’s department has confirmed to the Guardian.Police are searching for Vester Lee Flanagan II, a 41-year-old “light-skinned black male”, a spokesperson for the Augusta County sheriff’s department has confirmed to the Guardian.
The spokesperson said police are searching for Flanagan “in relation to the homicide that occurred in Campbell County” – although Smith Mountain Lake technically lies in Franklin County, and their police department is leading the investigation.The spokesperson said police are searching for Flanagan “in relation to the homicide that occurred in Campbell County” – although Smith Mountain Lake technically lies in Franklin County, and their police department is leading the investigation.
Flanagan was described as 6ft 3in tall, approximately 250lbs, and public records show he has worked in the area as a reporter.Flanagan was described as 6ft 3in tall, approximately 250lbs, and public records show he has worked in the area as a reporter.
3.59pm BST15:593.59pm BST15:59
Virginia congressman Morgan Griffith – his district encompasses the area of the shooting – has released a statement:Virginia congressman Morgan Griffith – his district encompasses the area of the shooting – has released a statement:
Like all Southwest Virginians, I am heartbroken by the tragic killing of Alison Parker and Adam Ward. Now and in the days to come, Alison and Adam will be in my prayers, as will their families and loved ones, the WDBJ family, and our community as a whole.Like all Southwest Virginians, I am heartbroken by the tragic killing of Alison Parker and Adam Ward. Now and in the days to come, Alison and Adam will be in my prayers, as will their families and loved ones, the WDBJ family, and our community as a whole.
Additionally, I pray for the recovery of Vicki Gardner, head of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce.”Additionally, I pray for the recovery of Vicki Gardner, head of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce.”
“At times, we can forget that journalists and others in the public eye may find themselves at risk. Alison and Adam were not reporting from the scene of a crime or a potentially violent location this morning when this horrible event took place.“At times, we can forget that journalists and others in the public eye may find themselves at risk. Alison and Adam were not reporting from the scene of a crime or a potentially violent location this morning when this horrible event took place.
Instead, they were at one of our region’s popular recreational areas. I am deeply grateful for the important work undertaken by journalists regardless of this risk, and appreciate the efforts of law enforcement and first responders to keep them, others, and our communities safe from harm.”Instead, they were at one of our region’s popular recreational areas. I am deeply grateful for the important work undertaken by journalists regardless of this risk, and appreciate the efforts of law enforcement and first responders to keep them, others, and our communities safe from harm.”
Updated at 4.05pm BSTUpdated at 4.05pm BST
3.43pm BST15:433.43pm BST15:43
The third victim of the Smith Mountain Lake shooting has been identified as Vicki Gardner of the town’s chamber of commerce, WDBJ7 reports.The third victim of the Smith Mountain Lake shooting has been identified as Vicki Gardner of the town’s chamber of commerce, WDBJ7 reports.
Gardner was injured and is in surgery, her condition unknown, the station says.Gardner was injured and is in surgery, her condition unknown, the station says.
Station reporter Allison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward were fatally shot by the gunman. Police have reported no other injuries, and have announced a press conference scheduled for 1pm ET.Station reporter Allison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward were fatally shot by the gunman. Police have reported no other injuries, and have announced a press conference scheduled for 1pm ET.
Updated at 4.04pm BSTUpdated at 4.04pm BST
3.38pm BST15:383.38pm BST15:38
Tiffany Stevens of the Roanoke Times is at the sheriff’s office, where police from Franklin and Bedford counties have been joined by state police (and phones continue to ring unanswered).Tiffany Stevens of the Roanoke Times is at the sheriff’s office, where police from Franklin and Bedford counties have been joined by state police (and phones continue to ring unanswered).
State police spokesman Sergeant Rick Garletts tells her that “investigators have a suspect but will not confirm identity” and that “the suspect is not in custody.”State police spokesman Sergeant Rick Garletts tells her that “investigators have a suspect but will not confirm identity” and that “the suspect is not in custody.”
Sgt. Garletts said he would like to tell us more, but he's deferring to Franklin County SO."This needs to come through them." @roanoketimesSgt. Garletts said he would like to tell us more, but he's deferring to Franklin County SO."This needs to come through them." @roanoketimes
3.32pm BST15:323.32pm BST15:32
McAuliffe reiterates to the radio station: “ I don’t want to release the name, but we believe he is a disgruntled employee.”McAuliffe reiterates to the radio station: “ I don’t want to release the name, but we believe he is a disgruntled employee.”
He says police believe the employee was known to Parker and Adams, but does not speculate as to what may have been the gunman’s motive.He says police believe the employee was known to Parker and Adams, but does not speculate as to what may have been the gunman’s motive.
Instead he continues to push for gun control measures, namely background checks: “there are certain people who should not be entitled to a firearm.”Instead he continues to push for gun control measures, namely background checks: “there are certain people who should not be entitled to a firearm.”
3.19pm BST15:193.19pm BST15:19
Virginia’s governor, Terry McAuliffe, has announced that “there is an active pursuit” of a suspect in the fatal shooting of a reporter and cameraman near Smith Mountain Lake on Wednesday morning.Virginia’s governor, Terry McAuliffe, has announced that “there is an active pursuit” of a suspect in the fatal shooting of a reporter and cameraman near Smith Mountain Lake on Wednesday morning.
Early on Wednesday morning a gunman opened fire at a WDBJ7 news crew filming near Smith Mountain Lake, in south-western Virginia, the shooting partially caught on the live broadcast. The gunman killed 24-year-old reporter Alison Parker and 27-year-old photojournalist Adam Ward.Early on Wednesday morning a gunman opened fire at a WDBJ7 news crew filming near Smith Mountain Lake, in south-western Virginia, the shooting partially caught on the live broadcast. The gunman killed 24-year-old reporter Alison Parker and 27-year-old photojournalist Adam Ward.
“They are in pursuit as we speak,” McAuliffe told WTOP local radio. “We believe at this point that it may have been a disgruntled employee of the station. It is not a terrorist-type situation, it is a criminal case, we believe, at this point.”“They are in pursuit as we speak,” McAuliffe told WTOP local radio. “We believe at this point that it may have been a disgruntled employee of the station. It is not a terrorist-type situation, it is a criminal case, we believe, at this point.”
Citing the head of Virginia’s state police, he said that police have a photograph of the suspect and “have identified the suspect”.Citing the head of Virginia’s state police, he said that police have a photograph of the suspect and “have identified the suspect”.
McAuliffe was optimistic about the manhunt: “Probably by the time we finish this interview we will have caught the suspect.”McAuliffe was optimistic about the manhunt: “Probably by the time we finish this interview we will have caught the suspect.”
Jeff Marks, the station’s 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.Jeff Marks, the station’s 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.”“The scene was described to us as chaos.”
Parker and Ward were remembered fondly and through tears by their colleagues, who described them as gregarious and promising journalists. Ward’s fiancee was celebrating her last day at the station, and he planned to move with her to Charlotte. Parker’s boyfriend, also reporter at the station, had recently moved in with her, and described her as “the most radiant woman I ever met”.Parker and Ward were remembered fondly and through tears by their colleagues, who described them as gregarious and promising journalists. Ward’s fiancee was celebrating her last day at the station, and he planned to move with her to Charlotte. Parker’s boyfriend, also reporter at the station, had recently moved in with her, and described her as “the most radiant woman I ever met”.
Updated at 4.03pm BSTUpdated at 4.03pm BST