Gunman Murders Two Virginia Reporters in Attack Broadcast on Live TV

[Newsjock]

Source: Gawker

A WDBJ live report appears to have ended in gunshots after a gunman apparently began firing at the news crew early Wednesday morning.

The reporter was interviewing a woman at Bridgewater Plaza, a shopping center in Roanoke, VA, when the apparent gunman strode into the shot, firing what sounded like at least six shots.

... WDBJ says a reporter and a cameraman were killed in the attack.

Read more: http://gawker.com/gunman-fires-shots-at-virginia-news-crew-during-live-re-1726593659

---

Two WDBJ journalists dead after shots fired at Bridgewater Plaza, deputies search for gunman

At least two people are dead after shots were fired at Smith Mountain Lake.

Franklin County deputies are searching for a suspect after multiple shots were fired at Bridgewater Plaza near Smith Mountain Lake Wednesday morning, according to a sheriff's office spokesman.

Part of the incident was caught on video during WDBJ's morning broadcast.

During a live news update just before 9 a.m., WDBJ general manager Jeff Marks reported that reporter Alison Parker and photographer Adam Ward died shortly after the shooting.

Read more: http://www.roanoke.com/news/crime/bedford_county/deputies-search-for-gunman-after-shots-fired-at-bridgewater-plaza/article_67c09161-0109-5228-a554-0d14ffc56d51.html

[Kingofalldems]

1. Horrible.

[Newsjock]

2. Video here

http://www.ftvlive.com/todays-news/2015/8/26/shots-fired-during-live-shot

It's not graphic video, but viewer discretion is still advised.

[onehandle]

7. I'd call that graphic. nt

[JackInGreen]

22. Let me link you to some things

That is tragic, but by no means graphic.

[joshcryer]

27. Your sensitivities to carnage may be lower than others.

I wish I could take back all the shit I've seen over the years.

[JackInGreen]

31. I can't claim that

I'd never forget any of it. Worst of the worst included from family turned to mush to friends bleeding out.
It's tragic, make no mistake, but the video isn't carnage.

[joshcryer]

34. I disagree.

That's all I'm saying. With a clean slate I could see being highly disturbed by it.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

136. I never watched the Nick Berg beheading but a friend did.

My friend said the blood curdling scream was something he will remember to the day he dies.

That's why I never watched it.

[joshcryer]

139. I wish someone told me that before I did.

I would love to have that clean mind back.

[2banon]

33. Wow. that was a shocking experience to watch that live.

no words...

[Spitfire of ATJ]

67. They took it down.

[Android3.14]

123. You are correct. It is not graphic

Disturbing, yes.

[Bonhomme Richard]

3. WTF? Have we lost our collective minds? n/t

[UCmeNdc]

4. What happened to the lady being interviewed?

[7962]

15. Wounded but survived

[magical thyme]

50. shot in the back and in surgery. nt

[HereSince1628]

5. Any word on the status of the woman being interviewed?

[oberliner]

23. Shot in the back - currently in hospital

Undergoing surgery.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

6. There's an autoplay video at the Roanoke.com site too.

This is probably the same video seen elsewhere. It is not graphic, but it is still scary to see, since you know what's coming.

If I had a nickel for every time I've driven through that location.... This is barely into Franklin County, right were Route 122 crosses Smith Mountain Lake.

SMH.

[onehandle]

8. Watch the video and see what gun nuts fight for more of, from coast to coast.

Don't know if it was a crazy or a jilted lover or a ex-employee or what...

But more guns = More random killings.

Gun nuts want guns to be handy for 'use.'

Meanwhile, the NRA knows what's important...

[img][/img]

[cali]

16. no. I think watching it is complicity.

[Nye Bevan]

20. The NRA would certainly prefer that people not watch it.

Because it's a horrible reminder of the end results of our gun culture.

[JackInGreen]

26. Couldn't disagree more

Really. If observation is complicity I'm a screaming right wing hyper christian.

[2banon]

35. Bingo.

[still_one]

36. I tend to agree

[bettyellen]

165. just like watching the carnage in Vietnam was complicit?

give me a fucking break. is there anyone gun lovers don't blame except for themselves?

[LiberalEsto]

102. Disgruntled ex-employee of the stati0n

is what I heard on DC-area radio.

[Liberal In Texas]

9. This is terrible.

More senseless murders because any idiot can by a firearm.

Are crews reporting stories live or recorded going to have to have armed guards next to them from now on?

What a awful society we've become.

[Darb]

10. Somebody save the gun from the gun grabbers! HURRY!!!

We cannot have this inanimate, harmless piece of wood and metal get taken out of circulation. Law abiding good guys need this gun.

SAVE THE GUN!!!!SAVE THE GUN!!!!SAVE THE GUN!!!!SAVE THE GUN!!!!SAVE THE GUN!!!!SAVE THE GUN!!!!SAVE THE GUN!!!!SAVE THE GUN!!!!SAVE THE GUN!!!!SAVE THE GUN!!!!SAVE THE GUN!!!!SAVE THE GUN!!!!SAVE THE GUN!!!!SAVE THE GUN!!!!SAVE THE GUN!!!!SAVE THE GUN!!!!

[tabasco]

11. The "well-regulated militia" caught on live TV.

Just another day in America.

[turbinetree]

18. And that my friend..................................

is what these gun right hypocrites don't see, those words in that amendment.
And then the NRA and Gun Owners of America will come out and say Guns don't kill people people kill people" that is so much hogwash, and that these human beings should have been packing heat to protect themselves, just wait.
As far as I am concern they have blood on there hands those right wing gun toting hypocrites.
These two human beings will not be going home tonight------------ever again, they will become a statistic a number in a file

[blackspade]

12. Sickening.

[joshcryer]

13. Absolutely tragic. And don't watch the video.

You can't see much but the terrified screams are enough.

[catbyte]

57. It's horrific, and the poor, stunned anchor back at the studio. I can't even...

[BooScout]

14. Just horrible...

[catbyte]

17. Ho hum. Just another morning in America...

The gun control argument ended the minute politicians decided that the massacre of children was acceptable. I am absolutely sick of spineless politicians, the vile, evil NRA, and bigoted 2nd Amendment ammosexuals who value death more than life. I am ashamed of my country. I am ashamed.

[turbinetree]

25. Couldn't have said it any better.........................

that's exactly were it needs to be placed, right at the feet of all of those hypocrites ------------NRA, Gun Owners of America, and the politicians that support this, everyone of them, they have no shame----------none---------------and no principles-----------------none------------they hide behind words just to justify there actions, when the first words in the amendment says " A well regulated" that means Laws to regulate guns---------------nothing more, nothing less-------------safety

[lancer78]

146. The gun control argument

ended when ole' Di-Fi opened her mouth about confiscating all guns. Sensible gun control died on that day.

[catbyte]

151. Yeah, it's all her fault...

[lancer78]

162. It is

when one takes such an extreme position, the other side tends to dig in its heels. Just think how we feel when someone says they want to ban all abortions.

[marions ghost]

176. Yep, the ongoing carnage

--so damaging to the entire country.

[KG]

19. the daily isolated incident.

more gunz!

[curlyred]

21. They were just kids, really

getting their start at a small-market TV station. SO sad.

[moobu2]

24. This is a still frame of the video showing the shooter (allegedly)

[LonePirate]

48. Is he wearing a flak jacket?

If so, that suggests pre-meditation. I'd say he's a domestic terrorist.

[justamama83]

53. CNN is stating that

Va Governor has said they know who he is and is a possible ex disgruntled employee of the station.

[Sam_Fields]

28. There are 31 murders on avg every day in America

Usually when a murder is caught on video we don't see it because it's bad for broadcasters trying to attract advertisers.

[lancer78]

149. And 241 deaths per day

from alcohol related causes according to the CDC.

[Plucketeer]

29. Now.....

why WASN'T that cameraman packing??? What an irresponsible operation!

[TexasBushwhacker]

30. Alison Parker was engaged to one of the anchors

It was her last day on the job. She was starting a new job at a different station.

[underpants]

32. I'm chilled

I went to college there for two years. Franklin County is THE moonshine capital of the U.S. - just context. That is horrible.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

40. Ferrum?

A fellow who has been a friend for decades has spent his entire life, except for a few years in Greenwich Village, in Rocky Mount. He has lots of stories about the moonshine. A few years back, I read Matt Bondurant's book The Wettest County in the World.

I haven't been down that way in quite a few years. I really ought to take a drive down there. Every time I go to Rocky Mount from northern Virginia, I get off 460 just outside Bedford and head down 122 through Moneta and then right past where this happened.

Best wishes.

[underpants]

56. Yes

I haven't been back to Ferrum in 20 years but yes I did 2 years there. I actually noticed what I think is a WDBJ outpost on Sunday as we drove on 460 - about an hour east of Roanoke/Vinton.

Holy crap.

[Capt. Obvious]

37. Dying cameraman captures image of the shooter

[wolfie001]

61. You sure about that?

I agree with your point and can't stand Trump, Cruz and Walker, Christie but........

[mainer]

68. On my screen he looks heavyset and he looks white and male

Last edited Wed Aug 26, 2015, 12:47 PM - Edit history (3)

but maybe he's actually a skinny black female and I just can't see the difference.

http://media.graytvinc.com/images/wdbj+gunman+image.jpg

[Travis_0004]

71. I get the impression he is black, perhaps light skinned.

Not sure why his skin color matters in any of this.

[Capt. Obvious]

62. Unsurprisingly, you need your eyes checked

or upgrade your monitor from black and white to color.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

63. Ummm, that's not what I'm hearing on the scanner. NT

[Travis_0004]

77. He is Black

10-8-73 is his birthday according to the police scanner. There are pictures on twitter of him. I'm not going to post it, because I don't know if its the right guy or not, and I'm not going to accuse the wrong person of being a gunman.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

87. Thanks for the stereotyping. NT

[philosslayer]

98. Hope your head doesn't hurt

From the knee jerk that just popped you right in the face.

[cwydro]

91. No, the picture of the suspect shows a black male.

Used to be a reporter at the station..

[philosslayer]

94. You're wrong

The suspect has been identified as Vester Lee Flanagan.

http://coed.com/2015/08/26/vester-lee-flanagan-virginia-shooter-details-facts-photos-wdbj-killer/

[branford]

96. Unsurprisingly, huh?

The suspect is black.

Would you care to offer any other unjustified and bigoted stereotypes?

[branford]

117. Maybe next time you should wait for more information,

and not offer knee-jerk bigoted responses.

Further, what did "statistics" have anything to do with you post? You were commenting on an actual photo, not discussing workplace violence. In fact, your comment concerned white supremacy, not workplace shootings.

It's not acceptable when people jump to conclusions about most black men, and it's just as unacceptable to do the same concerning most white men.

[mainer]

121. I saw a heavyset male who looked like a bearded white man.

that was not "jumping" to conclusions. The photo is what i went by. And knowing the victims were white, it seemed in line with statistics.

http://media.graytvinc.com/images/wdbj+gunman+image.jpg

"Jumping to conclusions" is hearing there's a shooting and ASSUMING it's whatever you assume, without seeing any photo whatsoever.

But clearly my impression of the photo was wrong and the shooter is a black man.

[StrongBad]

124. "In line with statistics"

So I would imagine, given your line of argument, you wouldn't object to someone assuming a young black male is automatically guilty of a crime because "the statistics" show young black men disproportionately commit the most crimes compared to other groups?

[mahatmakanejeeves]

132. If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.

Will Rogers

[philosslayer]

135. There's an old saying

When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

140. Not only do great minds think alike, but apparently so do ours.

Last edited Wed Aug 26, 2015, 12:45 PM - Edit history (1)

Really, it's time for someone to put the shovel down.

Best wishes.

[philosslayer]

144. wow..... same time even! haha

[branford]

131. The problem was not that you mistook the person in the photo as a white male.

It was that you then gratuitously added how "older heavyset white males" are "the ones who want to take their country back." You added a racial and bigoted component to the story that was not justified by the photo or the information then available.

[mainer]

142. True. But gatherings of those who want to "take their country back"

Do tend to be mostly white males with guns.

Or is that a bigoted observation on my part?

[Travis_0004]

150. If a black man is shot, are you ok juming to conclusions on that shooter too?

Probably another black man. . . . . . . .

[mainer]

152. here's the suspect's photo that got tweeted to me

Look at the blow-up of the suspect shooter. This is the image I first saw, before the suspect was identified.


http://media.graytvinc.com/images/wdbj+gunman+image.jpg

http://www.whsv.com/home/headlines/Roanoke-News-Crew-Involved-in-Shooting-Incident-322939771.html??

If I look outside and see a robin in a tree, it's not jumping to conclusions when I say I see a robin. I may be mistaken and it's a blue jay, but it's not jumping to conclusions.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

156. Even robins in trees can be deceptive.

[hootinholler]

38. Apparently police are in a high speed chase on I81 now. n/t

[joshcryer]

39. Police scanner:

http://tunein.com/radio/Virginia-State-Police-Division-3-s145408/

[mahatmakanejeeves]

42. Thanks for that.

I got an Android tablet a few weeks back. I installed a few scanner apps right away. Tablet or phone users will know how to install those apps and find the VSP or Franklin County law enforcement frequencies.

I left the tablet at home, but we don't have wifi at work anyway. I'm listening on my work laptop.

Thanks again.

[joshcryer]

45. No problem. I don't think they are chasing him.

I think that was based on some early rumors. I think they have an idea of where he went but haven't found him so far.

The scanner gets quite hot at times.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

51. Some confusion, understandably.

Some people think he's "beyond Charlottesville," and others are talking more of the Verona vicinity. Verona sighting was said to be ten minutes ago. Harrisonburg by now?

[joshcryer]

52. Heard that, and they're distraught the "pings" are coming in late.

I'm guessing by "pings" they're tracing his phone.

Thought it was interesting when one of the officers asked about potential national guard support.

Vehicle 20 minutes north of Virona.

[cwydro]

74. How do you find the scanner apps for your local area?

I didn't know you could do that. Pretty cool.

[joshcryer]

81. Sites tend to have scanner apps linked.

That site I linked has one for Apple and Android phones.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

85. First you download and install the app.

Police Scanner 5-0 is a big one, but it is not the only one.

Police Scanner 5-0 (FREE) for Android

You can get it for an iPad or an iPhone too.

Once it's opened, you go to the directory and look for nearby scanner feeds. The way it works is that local scanner enthusiasts have Radio Shack or Uniden or Bearcat police scanners listening to broadcasts. The feeds from those local scanners are uploaded, and you pick and choose what you want to listen to.

One of the first things I was listening to on my newly acquired tablet was fire calls from the Blue Mountains of Australia.

If you like trains (raises hand), you can listen to railroad radio transmissions throughout the country.

Railroad Radio Net

Sometimes technology is just plain amazing.

I'm not hearing anything from the VSP. I suspect that they think the wanted person is listening to their transmissions via a smartphone or tablet. Accordingly, they are communicating by other means.

[cwydro]

93. I have an iphone; can I do it with that?

Woefully non-technical here

[mahatmakanejeeves]

101. Totally.

Last edited Wed Aug 26, 2015, 12:08 PM - Edit history (4)

Here are two.

Depending on which phone you have, this might be the right version of 5-0 Radio Police Scanner.*

It's free for Android, so it should be free for iOS too.

TuneIn Radio is the one joshcryer linked to for this set of transmissions. As he noted, there is a link on that page. The link is down in the lower right hand corner. It is also available for iOS and Android, and it too is free.

Best wishes.

* ETA, from the site:

Compatibility: Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. This app is optimized for iPhone 5, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus.

The requirements seem to be the same for both 5-0 Radio Police Scanner and TuneIn Radio.

[cwydro]

103. Thanks a bunch!

[mahatmakanejeeves]

105. You'll be cursing me

after you find that you've spent the entire evening listening to, oh, I don't know, fire calls from the Blue Mountains of Australia?

Try Chicago PD; they never slow down.

[cwydro]

130. Lol, looking forward to it!

Thanks again.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

185. I downloaded TuneIn for my Samsung tablet

and installed it last night. I'm sort of surprised that the VSP is one of the available streams, as most of what's on TuneIn is FM and AM broadcast stations. I saw some NOAA stations on there too, but it's mostly what you would find on an AM-FM radio throughout the world.

I have, as scanner apps on my tablet, Scanner Radio and the aforementioned 5-0 Radio Police Scanner.

Scanner Radio on Facebook

[greatlaurel]

41. This is so horribly tragic,but the NRA will use it to sell more guns and ammo to gullible consumers.

The NRA and the other gun advertising groups are the most successful marketing project ever undertaken in the US. They are able to make sure they are never held accountable for the death and destruction they enable. Death and injury by gun are epidemic in this country. It is brilliant in its vile effectiveness.

In the rural area where I live, gun shots are heard everyday. On Sunday, a neighbor was firing a very loud weapon which sounded like something that should only be used by the military, over and over again. The amount of money he wasted had to be in the 100-200 dollar amount just for the ammunition. He and his family rent a 40+ year old falling down double wide with a failing sewage system, but he spends thousands of dollars purchasing ammunition and guns to blast away with nearly every day.

The ability of the gun marketers to get people to buy and use guns and ammo they cannot afford, puts every other conspicuous consumption marketing campaign to shame.

[randome]

54. Now is not the time to...well, I'm sure you know how that goes.

[hr][font color="blue"][center]"The whole world is a circus if you know how to look at it."
Tony Randall, 7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964)[/center][/font][hr]

[greatlaurel]

73. You got it exactly on how they will spin it for the media and consumers.

Perhaps now that people in the media are victims, the people who work in the media will be a little less likely to allow that vile spin.

It appears the gun marketers see these sort of tragedies as a positive to help them market their products even more.

Profit over lives, always.

[Gus2525]

43. Require one million dollars liability insurance

for registered gun owners. Like car insurance to compensate for bodily harm. Now there's an idea the NRA will embrace.

[d_r]

64. They probably would

they would include it with membership and have a selling point to get more people to join.

[hack89]

70. No insurance pays out for criminal acts.

but you are right that the NRA would embrace it - it would make them a fortune as they do an AARP and get into the insurance business. Insurance companies would fight hard to get an NRA endorsement.

[samsingh]

111. that's the least we should expect of th

[branford]

125. You really don't understand how insurance works or the effect of such a policy.

First, you cannot insure against intentional criminal acts. Insurance also wouldn't cover the effects of violence unconnected to the owner's firearms. Personal insurance is not a some general victim recovery fund, which would be a "tax" and have significant legal problems.

Second, since the incidence of firearm negligence among lawful gun owners is minuscule, despite the occasional news story (recall that the USA has about 100 million legal gun owners and over 300 million firearms), the cost for such policies would be negligible. In fact, most homeowners and renters policies already cover firearm accidents.

Third, if the intent of the policy is to discourage the exercise of a constitutional right, without clear and unequivocal evidence that the intended policy would be effective for its purpose, it would almost certainly be unconstitutional as little more than a veritable "poll tax."

Fourth, most criminal acts do not involve legal firearm owners, and therefore this policy would have little to no effect on crime rates.

Fifth, firearm accident insurance is already available, and the NRA is one of its largest proponents. If specific firearm insurance became mandatory, it would be a huge financial windfall for the NRA not only as a provider and vendor, but also as an endorser as they are the largest firearms safety organization in the country.

[7962]

161. You can already be sued if you shoot someone. Unless you're a cop, that is.

[bettyellen]

167. but you can never collect the money from these losers- hence the insurance they should carry

[7962]

168. Sure you can. You'd be LESS likely to win fighting an insurance company

A civil suit the shooter would have to hire his own attorney.

[greatlaurel]

44. My condolences to the families and friends of the victims.

[odd_duck]

47. Has Fux Snooze,......

the NRA, and Gun Owners of America, blamed the victims yet for not being armed??

[moobu2]

49. The shooter was identified as a disgruntled ex employee. (allegedly)

[shenmue]

55. ...

[Quackers]

126. Out of all the post in this thread, ^^^This^^^

[AllyCat]

59. OMG, we were there with our kids for vacation last summer

WTF is wrong with people? So sorry for their families and all who had to witness this insanity.

[rdking647]

60. disgruntled employee

police are pursuing him and expect him to be in custody soon

[Historic NY]

69. link to the news release.

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/a1be991879384f038b70c682353c2592/latest-video-shows-shooting-2-tv-station-employees

[wolfie001]

66. Horrible and so very sad

Too easy for the mentally ill to obtain guns. No easy remedy but something has to be tried.

[Historic NY]

72. Gunman identified....????????

http://hinterlandgazette.com/2015/08/lester-lee-flanighan-idd-gunman-moneta-live-tv-broadcast-moneta.html

MONETA SHOOTING: Law enforcement have launched a massive manhunt for Lester Lee Flanighan, (or Flanagan) the gunman in the shooting deaths of WDBJ reporter Alison Parker and photographer Adam Ward during a live broadcast in Moneta, VA.

The third shooting victim has been identified as Vicki Gardner, the head of regional Chamber of Commerce. She is undergoing surgery after reportedly being sot in the back.

Police say Lester Lee Flanighan is thought to be a disgruntled former employee of the station. He is 6’3? and weighs about 250 pounds. He is driving a gray 2009 Ford Mustang with Virginia license plates WZE-8846.

[cwydro]

75. That vehicle has been located, and there is no suspect with it.

Looks like they don't know where he is.

Furthermore, CNN is reporting that some of the names being put out as the suspect are incorrect.

[ScreamingMeemie]

76. Vehicle located at the airport

[cwydro]

78. No suspect with it.

They are being told to disregard that vehicle search.

[ScreamingMeemie]

79. Nope. No suspect. Now looking for a cream-colored Charger

(possibly Impala). Per the scanner reports.

[cwydro]

82. CNN needs to follow DU lol,

they're still reporting the mustang.

Sheesh, you'd think they could find the scanner and listen.

[ScreamingMeemie]

84. Right?

Craziness. We are all underpaid, cwydro. Did you hear they just threw a Chevy Sonic into the mix?

[cwydro]

89. Yup! Kinda getting Keystone Kops here lol.

And it was the governor who told CNN that the cops were in pursuit, and the guy would be in custody before he finished the interview.

smh.

[ScreamingMeemie]

90. Gotta love 'em.

The reports from guys who are stopping vehicles that "sort of" look like the car are annoying and they make me think back to the Christopher Dorner case and what happened to innocent people there.

[Travis_0004]

86. Now a 2015 sonic

VGM 5384 is the plate.

[Historic NY]

88. Real name vs pseudo name....

Vester Lee Flanagan, who reported under the name Bryce Williams at the station, is currently on the loose. Virginia State Police say there is no pursuit underway, despite multiple media reports.


http://www.nbc12.com/story/29882220/sources-wdbj-shooting-suspect-is-former-reporter-bryce-williams


http://www.whsv.com/home/headlines/Roanoke-News-Crew-Involved-in-Shooting-Incident-322939771.html???????

[Capt. Obvious]

92. Shooter's Linkedin profile

https://www.linkedin.com/pub/bryce-williams/69/2a4/ba7

[Historic NY]

97. They just killed his twitter feed.......

he posted https://twitter.com/bryce_williams7

[Capt. Obvious]

106. FB just killed his page

He recorded the entire thing and posted it to FB

[Capt. Obvious]

95. Apparently he's live tweeting?

account suspended

https://twitter.com/bryce_williams7/status/636557576776327168?s=09

[Historic NY]

104. Raw story has his posting to facebook.....GRAPHIC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sophiegirl]

109. OMG.

He posted a video of the shooting. They cut off his Twitter.

Wrote this as well...

"Williams’ tweets, posted around 11 a.m., included “Alison made racist comments,” “They hired her after that???,” “Adam went to hr on me after working with me one time!!!” and “I filmed the shooting see Facebook.”

All videos have been removed.

Sick fuck.

[SheilaT]

80. These are just two of

about thirty gun murders that will occur today in this country. So, big deal. This particular gun murder just happened to occur on live TV, which is somewhat unusual.

And that thirty does not include the fifty or so who kill themselves, the slightly smaller number who die from "accidents" nor the ones shot and killed by police.

But the gun apologists all assure me that these numbers just aren't very important, because gun deaths are decreasing in this country.

No one who supports the current gun ownership or gun laws in this country has any right to be the least bit surprised at this particular incident. Me? I favor outright confiscation.

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

147. This has shock value since it happened on air

and since the murderer posted his own video on the web.

[SheilaT]

169. Yes, exactly.

But maybe if every single gun murder every day of the year resulted in similar coverage, people would finally begin to get how many people really do die from guns in this country.

Again, keep in mind that the thirty each day is simple murder, doesn't include suicides, "accidents" (however they are defined but I suspect they include all the times a toddler finds a gun),or people shot and killed by cops.

[Farmbrook]

83. Watch how gun sales rise by the end of the day....

If he is white then he will be apprehended without one strand of his hair singed. And maybe he would be treated with a fast food meal before he is jailed. Oh the rewards of white supremacy! That is if he doesn't commit suicide first. However, the fact that it took so long to report his identity tells me that he is probably white. We'll see. God help him if he is black!!!!

[branford]

113. The suspect is black and posted videos of the shooting on Twitter.

He's armed and extremely dangerous. It would surprise absolutely no one if he's killed or injured while authorities attempt his apprehension. Trying to make this a racial incident doesn't exactly help minorities.

Moreover, firearm sales will indeed rise if the predictable reaction of many to this incident is further gun control, particularly before any of the details are revealed. It's basic supply and demand, and applied to virtually all products. If you threaten the supply, people tend to buy more. Bloomberg, Brady and many of our own party in Congress are far better firearms salesmen than the NRA could ever hope achieve.

[47of74]

99. Her boyfriend also works at the station

Chris Hurst said the two of them didn't really share it publicly but they had just moved in together and were hoping to get married.

He just posted some pictures;

https://www.facebook.com/chrishurstwdbj/posts/965685470121385

Ugh.

More lives shattered because of the almighty gun.

[StandingInLeftField]

100. Suspect uploads video of himself shooting WDBJ reporters to his Facebook page

Unbelievable...

http://www.rawstory.com/2015/08/suspect-uploads-video-of-himself-shooting-wdbj-reporters-to-his-facebook-page/comments/

[philosslayer]

107. The alleged shooter also indicated he was filing an EEOC report

And that the reporter killed had made racist comments.

[ScreamingMeemie]

114. The alleged shooter is an ex-reporter for the station as well.

[cwydro]

122. He complained also that the photographer complained to HR about him.

I'm beginning to think there was probably a reason.

What a deranged fool.

[cwydro]

112. Holy shit.

He's standing there with the gun and not one of those people notices.

[Historic NY]

115. Report he now killed himself..

http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2015/08/26/tv-crew-killer-dressed-in-black.html

http://www.newsweek.com/bryce-williams-suspect-shooting-365896

[retrowire]

116. welp. n/t

[mainstreetonce]

137. Not dead

He has a pulse.

[Mgeo1992]

119. Stereotyping all gun owners

As being malicious and violent seems like a huge stretch, yes, there are people out there who shouldn't own weapons period, abs this is certainly one of them, but the fact remains that anti gun laws only hurt law abiding citizens, And in the end does nothing to prevent violent crime. This individual was clearly dusturbed, and if he didn't have a gun he would have just used some other weapon, a knife, machete, sword, etc... he was clearly there fit one reason and one reason alone, and that was to kill that reporter. A heartbreaking story for sure which will have gun advocates yelling that a gun could have saved lives, and control advocates screaming that guns are the root of all evil.

I carry, but in a situation like this it would have done very little to no good since this was in essence an ambush attack. Though I'll honestly say if still rather have my gun and never need to use it, than need it that one in a million chance and not have it. To me it's about being prepared.

Okay, got my 2 cents out, I'm ready for the inevitable backlash for being a right wing, gun toting, bible thumping, nut-job

[shenmue]

127. How about

a nice hot cup of STFU?

[Electric Monk]

174. Jury results (2-5)

On Wed Aug 26, 2015, 02:35 PM an alert was sent on the following post:

How about
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=1189105

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

Nice way to welcome a newcomer whether or not you like his opinion telling them to STFU is unacceptable

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Wed Aug 26, 2015, 02:44 PM, and the Jury voted 2-5 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #4 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: My first inclination was to hide, until I read the post this is replying to. I hope MIRT cleans out that trigger trash piece of shit, but that's for another alert and another jury.
Juror #6 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: Over the top.
Juror #7 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Agree 100% with this post! A nice cup of STFU is in order. And one more gun humper moran to add to my ignor list.

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

[Mgeo1992]

181. Thanks

Thanks for your kind defense, it means a lot that we can be of dissenting opinions and still be civil. I don't understand the insults to my person over my post, especially since I've read it several times and don't see anything in my post insulting anyone or their ideas here. And I have to clarify, I found DU while reading about concealed carry in a post about "10 things everyone should know about concealed carry" or something like that, I was only planning on posting there, but I saw this thread and was outraged about this senseless act of violence. I didn't post to rile anyone up or start an argument, only to express my personal views, which I think you understood.

Thanks again, glad to have found one person that doesn't hate me automatically for 1 essentially anonymous post on a site I only found 2 days ago

Sorry for ruffling feathers. I'll gladly respect your opinions and views, and I feel it's fair to ask you for that same respect

[Blue_Adept]

138. No, the backlash is because you're insensative and unempathetic asshole

"Okay, got my 2 cents out, I'm ready for the inevitable backlash for being a right wing, gun toting, bible thumping, nut-job"

Not any of those reasons you list.

[Plucketeer]

154. REALLY?

So, if you're brave enough to log a 2nd post, please share therein, just WHAT part of a "well-regulated militia" was this killer? How about you for that matter. What is the command structure of the militia you're a "member" of???

And further........... ASSuming you had been bystanding on this balcony when the perp pulled out a gun and started blasting - just how casually would you have brought out your peace-keeper and quelled the attack?

LOL.... your "2 cents" aren't worth a plugged nickel.

[Mgeo1992]

179. Getting there...

Sorry for the wait, I had to work

[Sancho]

157. People Control, Not Gun Control

In this case, we have to wonder who knew he was potentially violent or threatening.

This is my generic response to gun threads where people are shot and killed by the dumb or criminal possession of guns. For the record, I grew up in the South and on military bases. I was taught about firearms as a child, and I grew up hunting, was a member of the NRA, and I still own guns. In the 70’s, I dropped out of the NRA because they become more radical and less interested in safety and training. Some personal experiences where people I know were involved in shootings caused me to realize that anyone could obtain and posses a gun no matter how illogical it was for them to have a gun. Also, easy access to more powerful guns, guns in the hands of children, and guns that weren’t secured are out of control in our society. As such, here’s what I now think ought to be the requirements to possess a gun. I’m not debating the legal language, I just think it’s the reasonable way to stop the shootings. Notice, none of this restricts the type of guns sold. This is aimed at the people who shoot others, because it’s clear that they should never have had a gun.

1.) Anyone in possession of a gun (whether they own it or not) should have a regularly renewed license. If you want to call it a permit, certificate, or something else that's fine.
2.) To get a license, you should have a background check, and be examined by a professional for emotional and mental stability appropriate for gun possession. It might be appropriate to require that examination to be accompanied by references from family, friends, employers, etc. This check is not to subject you to a mental health diagnosis, just check on your superficial and apparent gun-worthyness.
3.) To get the license, you should be required to take a safety course and pass a test appropriate to the type of gun you want to use.
4.) To get a license, you should be over 21. Under 21, you could only use a gun under direct supervision of a licensed person and after obtaining a learner’s license. Your license might be restricted if you have children or criminals or other unsafe people living in your home. (If you want to argue 18 or 25 or some other age, fine. 21 makes sense to me.)
5.) If you possess a gun, you would have to carry a liability insurance policy specifically for gun ownership - and likely you would have to provide proof of appropriate storage, security, and whatever statistical reasons that emerge that would drive the costs and ability to get insurance.
6.) You could not purchase a gun or ammunition without a license, and purchases would have a waiting period.
7.) If you possess a gun without a license, you go to jail, the gun is impounded, and a judge will have to let you go (just like a DUI).
8.) No one should carry an unsecured gun (except in a locked case, unloaded) when outside of home. Guns should be secure when transporting to a shooting event without demonstrating a special need. Their license should indicate training and special carry circumstances beyond recreational shooting (security guard, etc.). If you are carrying your gun while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you lose your gun and license.
9.) If you buy, sell, give away, or inherit a gun, your license information should be recorded.
10.) If you accidentally discharge your gun, commit a crime, get referred by a mental health professional, are served a restraining order, etc., you should lose your license and guns until reinstated by a serious relicensing process.

Most of you know that a license is no big deal. Besides a driver’s license you need a license to fish, operate a boat, or many other activities. I realize these differ by state, but that is not a reason to let anyone without a bit of sense pack a semiautomatic weapon in public, on the roads, and in schools. I think we need to make it much harder for some people to have guns.

[Darb]

164. You should post this in the gun forum and watch them stroke out.

It'd be fun.

Seems reasonable to me. I still say certain types of weapons and accessories should be banned. Not many, but some.

Thanks for writing it.

[Sancho]

166. I've posted in the Gun Control Reform Activism Forum

I don't think I'm welcome with gun advocates. I may have already caused a lot of dissonance.

You can see other versions of licenses in the US and Australia similar to mine here:

http://everytown.org

http://www.loc.gov/law/help/firearms-control/australia.php

[Mgeo1992]

182. I agree, except...

Once again the only people who will follow aforementioned rules are law abiding citizens. Criminals don't care for laws, if they did they wouldn't be criminals. Now, I'm sure they probably have some reason/justification for turning to a life of crime, but that doesn't excuse them. It's easy to say controlling guns would lessen gun crime, but there's no proof, in fact most places with strict weapon control, not just guns, have seen an increase in violent crime (granted there's no direct correlation to strict weapon control measures) and then there are places like the USA where concealed carry is now constitutionally protected and violent crime has significantly reduced (once again no direct correlation to looser gun control, but there definitely seems to be SOME logical 2+2 between those) once again just my 2 cents. In a perfect world guns WOULD be completely unnecessary, but as it is I wouldn't want to disarm myself anymore than disarming our police or military

[Darb]

163. Terrible post. Chock full of cliche.

Nice try....not really.

Boring, gun fetishist bullshit.

[Mgeo1992]

180. Best place for me to reply?

Last edited Thu Aug 27, 2015, 12:24 AM - Edit history (1)

Well, I did call it...

First let me say I'm not the amoral, apathetic asshole y'all think I am. This shooting hurts me, deeply. The female reporter was about to get married... Meaning that not only her family, but her fiancé and his family are affected profoundly as well. Then the cameraman and the interviewee... This hurts a lot of people, and the only support I can show is empathy. The only loved ones I've lost were to natural causes and cancer.

Moreover let me say I live in Utah, one of my family's closest friends lost their daughter in the trolley square shooting. My earnest thoughts and prayers and deepest empathy go out to ALL THOSE slaughtered in these senseless killings...

So before you try to stereotype me as well, maybe you should get to know me...

As for my comment before, I do carry, and I do so in the hope I'll never need my weapon. But I'm also an Eagle Scout of the Boy Scouts of America so I believe in being prepared. Hope for the best, plan for the worst...

I'm an African-American/Hispanic living in the mostly white suburbs of salt lake, and I get SOME weird looks (to which I walk over, smile, and start a friendly conversation) so I'm not unaccustomed to some bigotry...
I was raised LDS, but am now an agnostic, bordering on atheist (I only make that distinction because I am a firm believer in karma) so my religious views are very do unto others, and live and let live.

The reason I believe in citizen carry is because: imagine you're a criminal in an area of complete weapon control, meaning it's against the law to carry anything but your own body and the clothes on your back, would you be afraid to victimize those law abiding citizens? Let's take it a step further, you're a criminal, so you choose to ignore the weapon control laws and carry a knife, sword, gun, etc... Wouldn't you feel even more confident victimizing those law abiding citizens?

Now the flip side, if you were a criminal and you knew a percentage of the law abiding populace, let's say 10%, carries a weapon, that's a 1 in 10 chance of meeting armed resistance. As a criminal wouldn't you reconsider your act?

These aren't specific conditions mind you, but the logic behind that argument makes me feel slightly better.

Lastly, I know a lot of people don't agree with my opinion, which is great! That's what our country was founded on, but i live my life by 2 simple things: karma, or live and let live, t
Do unto others, etc... And "I may not agree with your opinion, but I'll defend to the death your right to have and express it"

So once again please consider the source before demonizing it? It's in all our best interests as rational adults

Thanks again for listening


Also, "fetish" implies some sort of sexual attraction or excitement, while I enjoy shooting, I ensure you it has nothing to do with "getting my rocks off" I enjoy the attainment of mastery of one of my many life passions, it's no different than mastering a martial art form, or any other artistic pursuit. I don't know y'all, but if you've never fired a gun you're debating from a point of ignorance. If that's the case come walk a mile in my shoes before judging me by your misinformed prejudices.

Thanks again,
Love for all my fellow humans 😊

[davidpdx]

184. I'm not so sure you are in the right place (no pun intended)

If you claim to be ".... a right wing, gun toting, bible thumping, nut-job", then you might want to reconsider. If you were being sarcastic, you might want to look under the smiles button, then click the button that shows the rest of the smiles and use the tag.

Welcome to DU.

[Sophiegirl]

120. Confirmed on local news

He shot and killed himself in I-66, just west of the DC area.

[LiberalEsto]

128. Faquier County nt

[Sophiegirl]

143. He may still be alive.

Local news now reporting that he was taken by ambulance in very critical condition.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

145. Rampant speculation on my part:

Last edited Wed Aug 26, 2015, 01:18 PM - Edit history (1)

Warrenton or Culpeper Hospital can't handle that level of trauma. He gets airlifted via Pegasus to University of Virginia Hospital or via Medstar to Washington Hospital Center.

There's an app to listen to those.

Physician’s Guide To Helicopter EMS Use in Virginia

The map on page 9 shows coverage areas.

As long as I'm rampantly speculating, I'll keep going. For purposes of scanner listening, if this happened near Culpeper, the Culpeper Volunteer (I think) Fire and Rescue Squad will respond. If the person with the GSW goes to Culpeper Hospital and then on to UVa, find the frequencies for Culpeper and Albemarle Counties and give them a listen. If the person with the GSW goes to WHC via Medstar, you'll want to look for frequencies around DC.

As is often the case, I have a scanner in my backpack. It is an analog Uniden Bearcat SC-180 Sportcat. Just about all LE (law enforcement) around DC is transmitting in digital, but aviation and railroad transmissions are in analog.

The Capitol Hill Monitor: Virginia Medevac Programs

HTH.

[Sophiegirl]

155. My initial error.

He was reported to be on a stretcher. Then, was airlifted. Don't know where.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

159. More:

From WTOP:

In Va., I-66 is closed in both directions between Exit 13 Linden and Exit 18 Markham near the Fauquier Co. line because of police activity.

Police: Suspect in Va. TV-crew shooting shot himself

The Virginia State Police say that Vester Flanagan, the suspect in the fatal shooting of a reporter and cameraman during a live interview shot himself, then crashed on I-66 while being chased.

[Sunlei]

134. Thats it, its over- he was ready for murder then suicide.

[JNelson6563]

148. At least he is done killing.

[valerief]

133. Another cold, dead hand to pry a fuckin' gun out of. nt

[wolfie001]

153. God damn Charleton Heston for ending his illustrious career....

....sidling up to the most reprehensible organization this side of the Repuke party: the cesspool known as the NRA! Fuck him! Sorry for the swear words.....

[sarisataka]

141. Awful

[840high]

158. ....

[mahatmakanejeeves]

160. 1:00 p.m.: Suspect in slaying of two TV station employees in SW Virginia shoots himself

Suspect in slaying of two TV station employees in SW Virginia shoots himself

By Dana Hedgpeth and Peter Hermann August 26 at 12:30 PM

The man who is accused of fatally shooting two television station reporters in Southwest Virginia Wednesday as they were doing a live broadcast shot himself after a chase and is being treated for life-threatening injuries.
....

By mid-day, Virginia Secretary of Public Safety Brian Moran said the suspect shot himself while in a moving vehicle on Interstate 66 near the Fauquier or Warren County line. He was said to be in a 2009 silver or grey Ford Mustang with a Virginia license plate.

“He shot himself,” Moran said. As for the suspect’s status, Moran said: “We’re getting conflicting reports. He might still be alive.” He also added that it is a “very fluid situation.” He also said the suspect is believed to be in critical condition.
....

In the manhunt, Virginia State Police said they spotted the suspect’s car headed eastbound on Interstate 66 just before 11:30 a.m. Authorities tried to stop the car but the suspect refused to stop and sped away from a trooper. Minutes later, authorities said, the suspect’s vehicle ran off the road and crashed. When troopers approached the car they found the man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and has life-threatening injuries.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

170. NBC's Pete Williams reporting shooter sent manifesto to ABC

Stating he was the victim of racial, sexual discrimination, praising the Columbine and Virginia Tech shooters, and said the Charleston Shooting drove him over the edge. "You want a race war, you'll get one" was among the quotes.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

171. 2:00 p.m.: Live updates: TV shooting leaves two dead

Poignant family pictures of the shooting victims:

Live updates: TV shooting leaves two dead

[mahatmakanejeeves]

172. Alabama TV station rejected Virginia shooter Vester Flanagan over concerns of erratic behavior

Good call, HR department. They should get an attaboy.

Alabama TV station rejected Virginia shooter Vester Flanagan over concerns of erratic behavior

By Leada Gore | [email protected]
on August 26, 2015 at 1:20 PM, updated August 26, 2015 at 1:59 PM

The former television reporter suspected of shooting two Virginia journalists live on air today applied for a position in Huntsville but was not interviewed after concerns were raised over his past behavior, according to the station's news director.

WAFF 48 News Director Adam Henning said Vester Flanagan, known on air as Bryce Williams, applied for a job and in the course of pre-interview discussions, it was discovered that Flanagan had problems at other stations.

"I checked with people I know who worked with him at a previous station and the feedback was not indicative of the kind of employee we would want on our team so we passed," Henning said. "The feedback included things like getting in a fight at a company Christmas party and being difficult to work with.

"That was more than enough to know he wasn't going to be someone we would want working here," he added.

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

173. Former intern, Larell Reynolds says shooter had a terrible temper (on CNN)

Mr. Reynolds just spoke on CNN.

People were actually afraid of the shooter at the time he was let go.

Mr. Reynolds is black.

[CJCRANE]

175. Terror Tube

[Kennah]

177. If the murder of 20 kids in their school doesn't change a damned thing ...

... then neither will this.

RIP Alison and Adam

[joshcryer]

183. Oh, that is without a doubt the truest thing ever said.

This is almost nothing more than a visual, well documented, representation of what happens daily in America. And that won't change a damn thing.

[Baitball Blogger]

178. Just beyond belief.

I hope there are interviews in the coming days to hear from friends, family and co-workers. Was there a warning sign that someone should have acted on?