Virginia live shooting: Alison Parker and Adam Ward honoured as tributes pour in

Tributes are pouring in for a journalist and cameraman who were slain during a live broadcast earlier today (26 August) while working for a CBS affiliate in Virginia.

Alison Parker, 24 and Adam Ward, 27, were on assignment for WDBJ-TV in Bridgewater Plaza in Virginia when they were shot and killed. Ms Parker was interviewing Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce executive director, Vicki Gardner, who was shot in the back and taken to receive emergency surgery. WDBJ-TV has since reported that Ms Gardner is in stable condition.

The suspected gunman has been identified as Vester Lee Flanagan – who worked under the name "Bryce Williams". The former employee of the TV station subsequently shot himself, but the channel is reporting that Flanagan is not dead, but is in critical condition. Flanagan posted videos of the shooting on Twitter, but the account appears to have since been deactivated.

Celebrities, politicians and high-profile journalists have taken to Twitter to pay their respects to the pair. US senator Tim Kaine condemned the "senseless violence" while actress Nia Vardalos sent a heartfelt tweet of prayers and love for the pair.

Prayers and love for the friends and families of Alison Parker and Adam Ward. https://t.co/hsJSjQg1oQ
— Nia Vardalos (@NiaVardalos) August 26, 2015

Even worse...so young RT @ABC: NEW: Station says reporter and photographer killed in Virginia shooting were 24 and 27 years old.
— Erin Andrews (@ErinAndrews) August 26, 2015

Ann and my hearts and prayers go out to the family and colleagues of @WDBJ7's Alison Parker and Adam Ward.
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) August 26, 2015

Just heart-wrenching. Thoughts are with loved ones and friends of Alison and Adam, first responders & @WDBJ7 family https://t.co/x8KUEJuEbK
— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) August 26, 2015

Heartbroken by senseless tragedy in Moneta this morning. Deepest sympathies to loved ones of Alison and Adam and the entire @WDBJ7 family
— Senator Tim Kaine (@timkaine) August 26, 2015

Do NOT embellish the killer's name or what he did prior and after the shooting. Remember the victims. Focus on what needs to change.
— Jimmy Wong (@jfwong) August 26, 2015

Heartbroken over senseless murders today in Smith Mountain Lake. State Police on scene working w/ local law agencies to capture suspect.
— Terry McAuliffe (@GovernorVA) August 26, 2015

My heart goes out to the families & friends of Alison Parker & Adam Ward who were shot and killed today in Virginia. May they rest in peace.
— Wolf Blitzer (@wolfblitzer) August 26, 2015

So far in 2015, 39 journalists have been killed across the globe. Earlier this month (6 August), Brazilian radio presenter Gleydson Carvalho was shot five times as he hosted his lunchtime show in the country's north-east.