ROANOKE, Va. — WDBJ-TV has observed a moment of silence on air for its two journalists who were killed in a shooting during a live interview.

The station marked the moment of silence at 6:45 a.m. Thursday. At that time Wednesday, reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward were killed by a former employee of the Virginia TV station.

During the moment of silence, WDBJ showed photos of the two victims during the live broadcast of its “Mornin’ ” show.

Just before the moment of silence, anchor Kim McBroom joined hands with weatherman Leo Hirsbrunner and anchor Steve Grant, who came in from sister station KYTV in Springfield, Missouri, to help the grieving station.

She said: “Joining hands here on the desk. It’s the only way to do it.”

Meanwhile, the family of the gunman who fatally shot Parker and Ward has issued a statement offering condolences to the victims’ loved ones.

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The statement from the family of Vester Lee Flanagan II, who went by Bryce Williams as an on-air reporter, was read on several TV stations, which said it was released by a family representative.

It says: “It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we express our deepest condolenses to the families of Alison Parker and Adam Ward. We are also praying for the recovery of Vicki Gardner. Our thoughts and prayers at this time are with the victims’ families and the WBDJ7 NEWS family. Words cannot express the hurt that we feel for the victtims. Our family is asking that the media respect our privacy.”

Parker’s boyfriend appeared at the station where they both worked, telling his co-workers and viewers on Thursday that he wants to tell his girlfriend’s story even as he grieves.

Station anchor Chris Hurst dated Parker. He recalled how Parker’s voice could light up a room with its kindness and joy, and how excited she was about her work, including an upcoming piece on hospice care.

He said: “Alison, what great things she could have done.”

Hurst also said he will take a brief break from his anchor role.

Morning anchor Kim McBroom told Hurst that he and Parker “were like Barbie and Ken — just the perfect couple.”

This story will be updated.


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