ROANOKE, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia television news station WDBJ went on air Thursday morning, just a day after two of their own crew were shot and killed while broadcasting live on air.
The team’s 5 a.m. newscast began with an image of the two victims, reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward, with the words “In Memory.” On-air talent choked up as they reflected on fond memories about their slain colleagues.
“We come to you with heavy hearts. Two of our own were shot during a live shot yesterday morning,” Anchor Kim McBroom said.
McBroom was live on the air just after the shooting happened. She noted the outpouring of support received after the tragic shooting.
“We’ve had a lot of help,” she added, before introducing Steve Grant, an anchor from a Missouri station who came to town to help.
The station went on to cover a series of pieces about the shooting. They highlighted the criminal investigation, as well as local church services and a vigil at the White House. Parker and Ward were fatally shot Wednesday as they conducted a live interview on WDBJ’s Mornin’ show.
The team then observed a moment of silence while on air for the two they lost at 6:45 a.m., the exact moment Parker and Ward were killed. During the moment of silence, WDBJ showed photos of the two victims.
Just before the moment of silence, the team held hands.
“Joining hands here on the desk. It’s the only way to do it,” McBroom said.
You can watch the emotional moment in the video below:
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Governor Terry McAuliffe also honored Parker and Ward today during an appearance here in Richmond.
“I would ask you now to join me in a moment of silence for the two young folks, two young Virginians that were killed, their families, the business woman who was injured yesterday, I would ask for a moment of silence,” McAuliffe said.
Click here to see more coverage of the WDBJ shooting.
