Reporter and Camerman killed on air.

[asta]

It seemed like to me she would have seen him. Who knows for sure.

I think these on-air reporters must train themselves to shut out all distractions. Their reports would be difficult to watch if they take their focus away from the person they are interviewing. It is hard to believe that no one saw the gun. It was so close.

 

[sam_gordon]

It looked from the initial news videos, to me, anyway, that she was shot from behind, or from the side. I was surprised to see how close the shooter was to the group, and right in front of them for several seconds, no less. How bold. And arrogant.

Unless there was some history of the shooter having a vendetta or anger management, *IF* the crew even saw him, I don't know they would have realized anything was out of the ordinary. The reporter was looking at the women she was interviewing, the photographer was looking through the camera at the reporter. Anyone could walk up behind the cameraman in that situation.

I wonder if this will mean changes for the news industry.

I doubt it. What kind of reasonable change would someone make?

 

[Mizzoufan]

I just hoep the third victim recovers fully. I also hope she not in the same hospital as the shooter. That would be so stressful. I would be so afraid he would come after me.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I just hoep the third victim recovers fully. I also hope she not in the same hospital as the shooter. That would be so stressful. I would be so afraid he would come after me.

I hear you. If she's awake, which I doubt she is right now since she's just out of surgery, she would likely still be very frightened. Her caregivers will understand this, and probably take measures to keep her relaxed, if possible. The hospital will also have security measures in place and may have even called an internal disaster code to mobilize their resources. I'm sure it's very chaotic wherever they are.

 

[PSUTraveler]

This is such terrible news and my heart just breaks for their colleagues, friends, and family. It's hard to even wrap one's mind around the extent of evil and sickness that the shooter had, to do what he did.

They are saying the third victim is going to be okay. She out of surgery and is in stable condition

Thank you for this update. I hope she pulls through.

It is very difficult.
My DH is an EMT and volunteer fireman and he's had to treat many people that he knows are guilty of a crime (some crimes far worse than others).

Blessings for your DH.

 

[BostonJP]

I just hoep the third victim recovers fully. I also hope she not in the same hospital as the shooter. That would be so stressful. I would be so afraid he would come after me.

From what I've read it doesn't sound like the third victim was the intended target. The targets were the two news station employees. However even if he is in the same hospital I'm sure there are dozens of police officers in between the two of them.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Unless there was some history of the shooter having a vendetta or anger management, *IF* the crew even saw him, I don't know they would have realized anything was out of the ordinary. The reporter was looking at the women she was interviewing, the photographer was looking through the camera at the reporter. Anyone could walk up behind the cameraman in that situation.

I doubt it. What kind of reasonable change would someone make?

It seems there were some issues with him before from earlier reports.

Maybe an escort, or third person, as policy; someone who can keep an eye on things around them while reporters and camerapeople do their jobs? I thought there were drivers with crews in many cases, as I see them around a lot, but maybe it's not policy? Idk.

 

[Jennasis]

It seems there were some issues with him before from earlier reports.

Maybe an escort, or third person, as policy; someone who can keep an eye on things around them while reporters and camerapeople do their jobs? I thought there were drivers with crews in many cases, as I see them around a lot, but maybe it's not policy? Idk.

The live trucks SOMETIMES have a truck operator...but that person is inside the truck, overseeing the transmission of the signal to the station (and frankly THAT person is usually all alone in the truck, so a target himself/herself).

Some news stations have "one-man-bands" for their field crews, meaning the reporter IS ALSO the cameraman and does all his own photography.

When I was a photog, it was reporters with a cameraman. DAily, there were one or two photogs who were sent out to pick up random interviews or video ALL ALONE.

It's a dangerous job. I was attacked a few times (had things thrown at me, had and off duty LEO try to run me over with his car). My colleagues were also the brunt of a few attacks. Unless the stations are planning on hiring armed guards to escort their crews around...

 

[sam_gordon]

It seems there were some issues with him before from earlier reports.

Maybe an escort, or third person, as policy; someone who can keep an eye on things around them while reporters and camerapeople do their jobs? I thought there were drivers with crews in many cases, as I see them around a lot, but maybe it's not policy? Idk.

It's not going to be policy, especially in smaller markets (which Roanoke is). Larger markets might have a dedicated operator for the live truck, but they're probably staying in the truck during the live shots. Some markets will hire security to go with their crews if they're going into suspect locations (I'm assuming there was some security and extra eyes with crews in Ferguson for example), but not on a routine basis. Will this single event cause some stations to send extra bodies out? Maybe. But I don't see it lasting long.

Yes, this is a tragedy, but I don't think (based on what's released so far) it could have been prevented realistically.

 

[Shutterbug]

The shooter posted tweets stating that Adam had gone to HR about him. Also that Alison had made racist remarks.

So these two were the intended targets and IMO he must have stalked them from the news station to this location.

 

[dinolounger]

Probably not necessary to post alleged murder's name.

With all due respect, as Allison already pointed out, his identity is not some state secret, the VA authorities confirmed and publicly announced the name and age of the shooter (picture of him below) hours ago.

I also note you don't seem to have any issue with people here discussing the sickening vitriol and horrific video he posted on Twitter and Facebook after the shooting. So the broadcasting of his horrific actions is fine, but we must keep his again confirmed (not alleged) identity censored?

 

[TLSnell1981]

This guy had a troubled past and had a huge chip on his shoulder. He bounced from job to job and had a history of filing complaints against his co-workers...mostly claiming racism.

My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones.

 

[Kalliope]

The shooter posted tweets stating that Adam had gone to HR about him. Also that Alison had made racist remarks.

So these two were the intended targets and IMO he must have stalked them from the news station to this location.

He was a professional victim.

 

[gwynne]

With all due respect, it's not some state secret, the VA authorities released his identity hours ago. I also note you don't seem to have any issue with people here discussing in detail everything he posted on Twitter and Facebook after the shooting, which implies you don't have concerns with the broadcasting of his horrific actions but want his identity censored?

And ummm...no censor. I'm just a little protective of innocents that may find themselves with the "wrong" name. Lots of crazies out there who aren't big on details...

Edited to correct wrong info I got from CNN earlier.....

 

[TAX GUY]

He was a professional victim.

Sadly, this is a growing "profession"

 

[TAX GUY]

With all due respect, he's been dead awhile. Not sure why this matters when he's dead.
And ummm...no censor. I'm just a little protective of innocents that may find themselves with the "wrong" name. Lots of crazies out there who aren't big on details...

H's not dead..... life threatening critical injuries

 

[gwynne]

He was a professional victim.

Sadly, this is a growing "profession"

I think they are known in the biz as grievance collectors.

 

[gwynne]

H's not dead..... life threatening critical injuries

I was out of pocket awhile. I will correct. I am certain I heard multiple reports before I left he was dead.
Thanks @TAX GUY and @Kalliope . Appreciate the update.

 

[Kalliope]

I was out of pocket awhile. I will correct. I am certain I heard multiple reports before I left he was dead.

It was initially reported he was dead due to a self-inflicted shot. That was later corrected to alive in critical condition.

 

[TAX GUY]

I was out of pocket awhile. I will correct. I am certain I heard reports before I left he was dead.
Thanks TAX Guy. Appreciate the update.

Correct, initial reports was he was dead..... I hope the SOB makes it but on the other hand, I'd hate to see all the wasted taxpayer money spent on him.