Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Adam Withnall

Virginia suspect Vester Lee Flanagan dead after shooting himself following killing of two journalists and posting videos online

()

The suspect in the killing of two journalists during a live TV broadcast on Wednesday morning in Virginia has been confirmed dead by police after shooting himself.

Follow our live blog for the latest on the police manhunt

The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Vester Lee Flanagan, shot himself late morning and was pronounced dead just before 1.30pm local time.

Videos were earlier posted online that appeared to show the killings from the gunman's perspective.

WDBJ reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward were shot dead while recording a live interview at Bridgewater Plaza, a Virginia shopping centre.

Earlier, graphic video footage of the shootings of Parker and Ward was posted to Facebook and Twitter accounts, which have both since been suspended.

The footage shows a gun in the filmer's hand, pointing at Ms Parker and then opening fire.

Virgina Governor Terry McCollough said Flanagan, known professionally as Bryce Williams, was a "disgruntled employee." One report suggests he may have taken legal action against an NBC affiliate accusing them of racism.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.