CRIME

Killings of 2 journalists on live TV in Virginia gripped millions in social media storm

Associated Press
Published | Updated

CORRECTS YEAR FLANAGAN WAS FIRED TO 2013 FROM EARLIER THIS YEAR - Investigators look at the body of WDBJ-TV cameraman Adam Ward after he and reporter Alison Parker were fatally shot during an on-air interview, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2015, in Moneta, Va. Authorities identified the suspect as fellow journalist Vester Lee Flanagan, who appeared on WDBJ-TV as Bryce Williams. Flanagan was fired from the station in 2013. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) (The Associated Press)

Community supporters light candles during a vigil for journalists Alison Parker and Adam Ward who were killed during a shooting in Moneta, Va., Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2015. Vester Lee Flanagan opened fire during a live on-air interview for WDBJ7, killing the two journalists Wednesday. (Autumn Parry/The News & Advance via AP) (The Associated Press)

Community supporters light candles in the shape of a heart during a vigil for journalists Alison Parker and Adam Ward who were killed during a shooting in Moneta, Va., Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2015. Vester Lee Flanagan opened fire during a live on-air interview for WDBJ7, killing the two journalists Wednesday. (Autumn Parry/The News & Advance via AP) (The Associated Press)

The shooting of a television reporter and a cameraman unfolded on live TV before an audience of tens of thousands on a smaller market central Virginia television station.

But within hours, the carefully scripted carnage turned into a social media storm gripping millions with accounts of a car chase and apparent postings on Twitter from the shooter himself, including his own video of the ambush taped from a camera attached to him.

Vester Lee Flanagan's own video shows him quietly approaching WDBJ-TV reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward, gun in hand, as they conduct an interview.

The attack seemed carefully planned. The live spot was at a shopping center not yet open for the day at a remote lake in Moneta, some 25 miles away from WDJB's studios in Roanoke.