Every job is a risk, even apparently “safe” jobs like journalism.

A reporter and cameraman were shot while broadcasting with one injured in Moneta, Virginia, in a shooting that was partially captured on video on Wednesday morning.

BREAKING: Local media reports suspect in Virginia shooting of two journalists has been identified, is being pursued.

— Reuters U.S. News (@ReutersUS) August 26, 2015

The incident happened around 6:45 am at the Bridgewater Plaza near Smith Mountain Lake. A news crew from WDBJ7 local news was on the scene to film a segment for the morning news when several shots rang out. Screams followed and the camera recording the feature fell, as producers cut to the shocked studio news team.

The station later announced that two of their team, Alison Parker, 24, and Adam Ward, 27, had been shot dead.

“Today was just like any other day,” anchor Kim McBroom said on the morning broadcast. “They did great work every day and put their all into everything they did.

“They were special people. They would lighten up a room.”

Jeff Marks, general manager, recounted what police had told the station. “Someone with a gun, we believe it was a man, barged into where they were and fired several shots, six or seven, it sounded like. We heard screaming, and then we heard nothing, the camera fell.

“The scene was described to us as chaos.”
He expressed disbelief at the shooting: “How can this individual have robbed these families of Adam and Alison of their happiness and their love, for whatever reason.”

This is so sad, the reason for this is still unknown.

BREAKING NEWS: Alleged shooter of two Virginia journalists has shot himself: local ABC affiliate Twitter account

— Reuters U.S. News (@ReutersUS) August 26, 2015

 

The suspected gunman, identified as Bryce Williams,  has been reported to be dead.

He was earlier said to be in a critical condition after shooting himself, according to Augusta County Sheriff’s office.

He reportedly shot himself after a chase on Virginia’s I-66 highway. The Franklin County sheriff confirmed that Williams is dead.

He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at Inova Fairfax hospital, according to Sheriff Bill Overton.

Shooter pronounced dead at the hospital at 1:26 pm, according to state police http://t.co/BLcm9QLwW5

— Washington Post (@washingtonpost) August 26, 2015

It was later reported that a fax was received from someone who claimed to be the shooter. He stated in the letter that he was motivated by Charleston shooting but authorities haven’t confirmed if the letter was actually written by the shooter.