OSCE media freedom representative condemns killing of television news crew in Virginia, USA

VIENNA, 26 August 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today condemned the deadly shooting of a journalist and a cameraman in Moneta, Virginia, USA.

“This is a horrific and tragic killing, my sincere condolences go out to the victims’ families and colleagues,” Mijatović said.

In the morning of 26 August, a news crew with the local television station WBDJ-7 was reporting live from a shopping centre in Moneta, Virginia, when they were attacked by a gunman who fired at the crew. Reporter Alison Parker, 24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27, were both killed in the attack. A third person was also wounded in the shooting.

“I trust that the authorities will do everything to bring the perpetrator of this gruesome attack to justice,” Mijatović said.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.