National Press Club expresses outrage at slaying of journalists in Virginia

National Press Club President John Hughes issued the following statement in response to news that two TV reporters were gunned down during a live broadcast near Roanoke, Va.:

"I am horrified by the fatal shooting of reporter Alison Parker and videographer Adam Ward in Moneta, Va., as they went about their jobs serving their community today," Hughes said. "Members of the National Press Club send our thoughts and prayers to their families and colleagues. This killer, or these killers, must be brought to justice quickly."

"At the National Press Club we fight for the freedom of journalists worldwide to do their jobs,” Hughes added. “Yet this double murder is a sad and tragic reminder that journalists both abroad and closer to home put their safety at risk each day."

Established in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. Through its Freedom of the Press Committee, the Club advocates for journalists under siege abroad and at home.

Contact: John M. Donnelly, NPC Press Freedom Committee chairman: [email protected] or 202 746 6020.