ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - There is a manhunt underway for the person who they say shot at multiple people Wednesday morning, killing WDBJ7's reporter Alison Parker, 24, and photojournalist Adam Ward, 27, at the Bridgewater Plaza near Smith Mountain Lake.
Authorities with the Augusta County Sheriff's Office just confirmed they are looking for VESTER LEE FLANAGAN, 41, 6'3″, 250 lbs, LIGHT SKINNED BLACK MALE. CNN is reporting Flanagan is a former employee who had been fired. He went by the name Bryce Williams on air.
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During Wednesday morning's "Ask the Governor" on WTOP, Governor Terry McAuliffe said the shooter is believed to be a "disgruntled employee." McAuliffe also said the suspect is being chased right now on I-64 in the Richmond area.
According to Franklin County Sheriff Department's Spokesperson Phillip Young, the shooting occurred at the Bedford County-Franklin County line in Moneta at 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, August 26.
WDBJ7 says the shooting occurred during their live shot and are asking for prayers during this difficult time.
We didn't share this publicly, but @AParkerWDBJ7 and I were very much in love. We just moved in together. I am numb. pic.twitter.com/tUrHVwAXcN
— Delegate Chris Hurst (@ChrisHurstVA) August 26, 2015
Alison Parker was interviewing Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Vicki Gardner during their morning newscast when the attack happened. According to Special Projects Manager, Barb Nocera, Vicki Gardner was being interviewed regarding SML's 50th Anniversary by WDBJ when Vicki was shot. She is now in surgery at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
The 50th Anniversary Steering Committee and Business Meetings that were scheduled for Wednesday afternoon are cancelled.
Franklin County Sheriff's deputies have secured the area where the shooting occurred and say they're respectfully asking that the public and media stay away from this area for their safety and so that deputies can move forward with the investigation.
If anyone has information about the identity of the gunman or other information that may assist investigators, they are asked to call 911 or the Franklin County Sheriff's Office at 540-483-3000.
Virginia State Police say some media outlets are reporting that they are in pursuit of the suspect vehicle involved in the fatal shootings. This is WRONG. Virginia State Police say they are not engaged in any pursuit with the suspect vehicle. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office is the lead investigative agency on this incident.
The Sheriff's Office is being assisted by local, state and federal agencies. A news conference has been scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Willard Office Plaza location. This incident remains under investigation.
At this time, Bedford County Public Schools are on perimeter lock-down until further notice, according to the superintendent. Windy Gap, Dudley, and Burnt Chimney Elementary Schools in Franklin County, as well as Lexington City schools are on lock-down.