A reporter and a photographer for WDBJ 7 in Roanoke were shot and killed on live TV this morning. Please keep their friends and families in your thoughts and prayers.
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.
Link to story: http://www.wdbj7.com/news/local/law-enforcement-investigating-incident-a...
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Comments
Incredibly sad. Stay safe out there friends.
Shocking. The video and picture of the gunman is disturbing.
I don't think the hair on my arms has gone back down.
This is just gut-wrenching. Let's hope they find this guy before he causes even more damage...
It's getting tough to keep my head up this week. Yesterday my high school in WV made the news for all the wrong reasons, 14 year old brings a gun and creates a hostage situation. Fortunately that situation ended with everyone safe and unharmed.
This was one of the most disturbing ways to start the day. And way too close to home. Let's try not to blow up this topic on this site, guys. It's going to be circulating far and wide for awhile, I will need one place to come and keep my mind off of it.
I understand the desire to minimize the threads about this (as with any topic), but I know I'd appreciate any updates being posted here. Florida news stations likely won't follow very closely unless the situation takes an even more tragic turn.
Cable news has been all over it. Two of their own and all.
Just awful...my thoughts to the family and friends of these individuals!
Truly heartbreaking.
How do you just walk up on someone like that? I'm at a loss.
Whatever you do, DO NOT WATCH THE VIDEO!! SERIOUSLY!!
I am sick about this. Thoughts to WDBJ7 and their Families.
Absolutely terrible news. I didn't know either of them personally, but for whatever reason I couldn't hold it together as I watched the WDBJ7 crew talk about the friends and work family they lost. Adam was a Hokie, to any TKPers that knew him, I'm extremely sorry for your loss. To any Roanoke, Martinsville or Harrisonburg locals that knew Allison, I'm also very sorry for your loss.
I think when these senseless tragedies happen a lot of the conversation after the initial reaction of shock is to discuss why it happened, or how to prevent a similar instance from happening again. I think these are valid discussions to be had (although, TKP wouldn't be the proper forum for most, if any, of them). Instead, I'll share a couple of beautiful thoughts about Allison and Adam.
Absolutely crushing news. So sad.
Just no words.... I lived a large portion of my life in that area. I'm sure the community is heartsick. Condolences.
I reffed intramurals with Adam at VT, didn't know him well but he was a really nice guy.
Fuck this shit.
Apparently they're chasing the suspect as we speak. I hope to god that bastard doesnt kill himself/get killed before he gets put to justice. Death right now is too easy for that p.o.s.
I've seen reports saying they are in pursuit, but I've also seen reports saying those are inaccurate. Bottom line, take developing news with a grain of salt until things are confirmed.
listening to police scanner and it seems like they're looking for him so yes in pursuit but they haven't found him/visualized the car and suspect
This hits way to close to home. Less than 20 miles from my house. Also, the woman being interviewed at the time (who was also shot, and now in surgery) is the mother of my wife's childhood friend. What the hell is wrong with people? My heart goes out to all the families and close ones.
Considering these types of creatures as "people" is the first mistake
Won't hear an argument from me on that one.
While once again SW Virginia has been touched by senseless violence and suffered a tragedy, remember that once again that it cannot end there.
I have no doubt that once again the region, the Commonwealth Hokie, and JMU nations will show the world the caring, supportive and resilient community that we all hold so dear.
Just a PSA... avoid major news outlets, and especially the comment sections
The 2nd amendment activists on both sides of the argument are out in full force today
That's why I stopped reading the comments sections. People take every opportunity to turn a tragedy into an idiotic flame war.
TKP and Reddit are the only websites I read comments. And occasionally 11W.
From people I know and trust in Law enforcement. Suspect/ person of interest is Vester Flangan, a former reporter at the station. State police ARE NOT in active pursuit of any vehicles. There is conflicting information about what vehicle he is driving . If you live in that area please be safe and on the lookout .
apparently now looking for silver chevy sonic 2015.????
The WDBJ7 site says its a 2009 gray Ford Mustang.
that was true.. but he parked it and latest as on a few minutes ago is he rented a 2015 chevy sonic from the the airport.. police scanner info so no idea how legit that is but mustang has been found in airport parking lot
What scanner and what dept are you listening to?
it the 5-0 Radio scanner app and its virginia state police division 2/3.. its gone really quiet the last few minutes but that would make sense with the reported news that he shot himself.
now Augusta County scanner is having activity..
such a sad day.
My co-workers here in New Market are saying that he just passed here on 81 and is now on 66.
Edit- Reading below I see that I'm behind on information...
Oh my god.
The shooter just posted a video.
In my 12 years in public safety I have never seen anything like what the shooter did by posted that. I cant imagine what is going on.
Disturbing story.
Condolences to friends and family. I hope they apprehend the killer and bring him to justice without further loss of life.
Shoot just posted videos on his Facebook and Twitter.
Out of respect for the victims (and to avoid giving further attention to this monster), I'll politely ask that nobody links to them.
that account has now been suspended thank god.. that was absolutely chilling to watch, downright sickening
props to Twitter for suspending it quickly.
Good god... the guy posted a first person perspective of the shooting, and then went on a twitter rant about the people he killed.
Fuck that guy. Letting this go to trial would be too humane.
What a sick individual. Prayers to the families involved and to the heroes on blue trying to find this guy.
Shit, somebody said he just shot himself...
If that's the case, good.
Would rather not waste any government money or further global air and water supply on this individual. Upload a video proving you killed someone, and then essentially brag about it and try to justify why you did it? Nope, sorry, you just eliminated yourself from the gene pool.
I agree. Limit the damage, interest, and publicity.
Yea, the youtube thing is too much. Hell all of it is too damn much.
Well, at least he won't be doing any more damage.
WDBJ7 updated their report after new information from the Virginia State Police. The suspect is alive and in very critical condition after a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Someone just told me he did shoot himself but is still alive?
And now ABC News is saying he faxed in a 23 page manifesto to their offices last night.
So there should have been a manhunt last night?
No after hours. 23 pages long.
Clearly, he had too much time on his hands and needed therapy and coping skills.
Today sucks.
:(
I just can't... Wearing all VT stuff today for Adam.
I think I saw a tweet by Seth Greenberg basically reiterating this point. So sad...
I'm tired of these cowards that commit these acts. Can't stop reading about these outstanding individuals who were killed... i'm just tired of this... keeping them in my thoughts.
Sorry... can we not waste the money to bring him back?
The guy had a plan A and a plan B:
Plan A: get away scot free
Plan B: kill himself and not have to live with any consequences
think of it less as spending money to bring him back and more like spending money to keep him from getting something he wanted.
^EXACTLY this!! I've been restraining commenting on this thread because I know Im going to make myself look like an ass, but this is exactly how I feel
Plan A wasn't a thing.. He posted his own video of it online.
From my experience in 2007, I was glad there wasn't a trial.
I don't want him to survive because I don't want the families to have to go through the extra grieving of a trial.
He is being flown via helicopter to local trauma center. However there is an issue the pilot will not allow an armed trooper in the helicopter .
Seems to me that if the suspect is restrained, disarmed, and in critical condition, there isn't a need for an armed trooper, so easy enough to resolve that.
The suspect's presence could create a dangerous situation for anyone nearby, maybe.
Armed police can meet them on the other end. I'm sure an able bodied officer can handle him without a gun.
As a former officer I can tell you I would never have given my gun up to some civilian.
He didn't have to "give it up to some civilian".
I don't see it as a big deal.
Yes he did the pilot/company wanted the weapon handed to the pilot to control while in flight.
How did they resolve it?
Don't know it was left at "We ( troopers on the ground) will discuss this with them when they land"
The other side is if he is restrained, there are no concerns about the firearm. I mean I am fine with the guy being left for dead on the side of the highway so if the flight doesn't move in a timely manner, that is ok with me.
I would come up with an infinite number of excuses before letting this guy on my helicopter.
I would gladly let him on mine, accidentally leave the door open and make an abrupt, hard bank...oops he flew out the door.
He use to work in my building, past him all the time. Scary.
Reports have been contradictory throughout the day but it seems like the shooter is in fact dead.
He's dead. Far to kind a fate for that scumbag. From now on, he'll only be known as "the coward" or "the shooter" to me. He can die alone and forgotten. Remember the people we lost, forget the coward who took them away.
RIP to the victims, and my prayers are out to the families and loved ones.
There is a special place in hell for people like the shooter...
WIth things coming to a terrible close, I can say I am absolutely heartbroken for the two who lost their significant others. I can only imagine the loneliness they must feel right now
I honestly don't know how to start this post, and there isn't much new to say. However, I feel like I need to say something.
First off, screw this guy and the fact that he killed two young and innocent people on live TV, recorded it, and then posted it to social media. There's a special place in hell for those types of people.
I don't know if anyone follows Josh Parcell on Twitter, but he's a Hokie graduate working for ESPNU now. He tweeted this out earlier along with the link to the full article here
2nd off, I think that as a Hokie Nation, we need to figure out a way to honor Allison and Adam before the Virginia Tech-Ohio State game. Adam was a huge Hokie fan it sounds like, and we need to make sure that he makes it to the game that he couldn't wait for
I don't know how we can do that, whether it be contact Whit, or maybe do something as a community from this site. I just think it would be fitting to honor them at this upcoming game.
I believe that's what this thread is.
We need to be careful when in contemplating something on a grander scale, unless we're going to honor every Hokie who died this year, of any cause. Death is always tragic. This instance, "death by wacko", seems particularly jarring because it's unexpected and the victims were young.
IMHO, commemorations such as what you propose should be based on the impact on the university or program, not for the cause of death.
It seems appropriate here to send our condolences to the family and friends of our fallen comrade.
Fair enough. Obviously, I'm not saying that if we don't do it, it's wrong and bad. I was just thinking that maybe it would be appropriate. You bring up a fair point, and I agree. I think that is what this thread is for
My thoughts and prayers go out to Allison and Adam's family and friends this afternoon. This unbelievable, despicable act leaves me at a loss for words.
I don't know what to say. I am shocked beyond words at this whole incident. My prayers go out to the victims and their loved ones.
What is going on in our society? What can we do to prevent crazy people from inflicting harm on the innocent? To prevent someone from walking up and killing others for whatever twisted reason? I am just set back with the whole situation. It is so terrifying to see what we deem a civilized society is capable of doing. How can someone who carries on a seemingly normal life be capable of such things? God be with us all.
Don't read the manifesto... Just don't...
His comments about April 16th will make your blood boil
Fuck this motherfucker. Hope he suffered enormously in his final moments.
yup what a prick... I read that a few minutes ago and was just livid.
the more info that comes out the worse its getting
From one coward to another. There isn't a punishment on this earth severe enough for these assholes.
Couldn't have said it better. After the initial shock of hearing about this tragedy, now comes the hard part. We now have to tolerate every single talking head on Earth trying to figure out, "Why did he do it?" "Was it racism, or capitalism, or socialism, or croynism, or nepotism, or ism-ism?"
Dudes, it's simple. Motherfucker was evil. I don't want to hear how he lost his job, his dad beat him, his girlfriend left him, someone called him a bad name, or he played too much Call of Duty." It's called life. We have all lost, been scorned, been picked on, or just run into some terribly bad luck. The other 7 billion of us have not shot two innocent people because of it. This guy did. Because he was evil. Evil exists. It's real. My only wish is that everyone personally affected by this heinous act can find the strength and courage to go on.
Call your wives and tell them you love them. Help a neighbor that needs a hand. Teach your children about the value and sanctity of EVERYBODY's life. That's how combat the evil that this guy perpetrated on us today.
I love you guys. Leonard out.
This takes me back to the response to April 16th. As tragic as these events today have been, I believe it will give our community and the communities of Roanoke and SML a chance to show the world what they are made of. We will not allow a madman to strike fear in our hearts but rather we will live harder and stronger than ever before. Ut Prosim isn't just something you say, it's a way of life. I love Virginia Tech and the family that comes with being a Hokie.
Amen and well said. The reluctance to label evil as such is a large part of the growing problem in the US.
On a related - and much more positive note, I couldn't be more impressed with the WDBJ staff and how they've handled things today. Not only losing 2 people on their staff in such a terrible manner, but then having to come back and report on it immediately and then throughout the day. The woman who was speaking to Alison when she was killed was back on the air discussing her coworkers hours later. Wow. The GM, Jeff Marks, has been particularly impressive. You can hear the pain, grief and anger in his voice, but he's been exceptionally professional when discussing his lost employees and their killer all day. Hats off to the entire organization.
Yea, it can't be easy.
http://www.roanoke.com/ap/state/radio-hosts-disciplined-for-suggesting-w...
There is a special place in hell for these idiots and their followers. I was glad to see all the support at the game Monday for the victims.
eh, they sound like conspiracy theorists.