News

Celebs React To The WDBJ7 Virginia Shooting

by Daniela Cabrera

On the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 26, a television reporter and a camera operator for WDBJ7 News in Virginia were shot and killed while reporting live on-air. A third victim, Vicki Gardner of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Now, was being interviewed at the time of the shooting, and is currently in surgery for a gunshot wound to the back. Naturally, many people are speaking out about the incident and starting conversations about gun control — and this includes celebrities who are using their platforms to share their condolences, as well as their opinions on gun violence in America.

(Update: Alleged shooter Vester Flanagan has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.)

The two casualties of the shooting, 24-year-old Alison Parker and 27-year-old Adam Ward, had been reporting live around 6:45 a.m. at Bridgewater Plaza, when shots and screams were suddenly heard off-camera. After this, the camera filming suddenly turned and fell to the ground. The station was able to capture a grainy still of the alleged shooter. He has since been identified by Virginia authorities as Vester Flanagan, reported to be a disgruntled former employee of WDBJ7 who worked under the name Bryce Williams.

Celebrities have taken to their public social media accounts to call for action to end these senseless acts of violence. Check out their tweets below: