Update: The shooter has been self-identified as Vester Lee Flanagan II, who was known as "Bryce Williams" on air. He boasted about the shooting on his social media accounts and posted a self-recorded video of his murderous assault on the two innocent reporters. Both accounts have been suspended.
Williams has been confirmed as a former journalist of WDBJ News. He felt wronged by WDBJ7 when Parker was hired despite alleged racist comments had been made. He filed an EEOC discrimination complaint that was subsequently dismissed.
Williams shot himself on I-66 in Faquier County, and later died.
An unidentified shooter opened fire and struck a media crew on live television. Both reporter Alison Parker, 24, and her cameraman Adam Ward, 27, were killed in the assault.
The attack occurred at 6:45 a.m. at Bridgewater Plaza in Moneta, Va. while the crew was interviewing Vicki Garnder of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce. There is currently no word on her condition.
Police say that they are continuing their search on the shoreline and the surrounding area. The incident remains under investigation and police hope to have a description of the shooter for the public soon.
In the wake of this morning’s incident, all Bedford county schools have also put their schools on lockdown. All inbound students were secured upon arrival and will remain on perimeter lockdown.
Virginia Department of Transportation has also reported a high-priority situation and notes the closing of both the north and south lanes of Route 122 in the area.
The victims' news crew co-workers at WDBJ7 have taken to Twitter to both share the grim news with the community as well as show their love and respect for the work of these two young reporters.
Watch the heartfelt send-off from their colleagues at WDBJ7 below: