Psychologist Reacts To Killing Of Virginia Journalists
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The bizarre on-air murder of a television news reporter and photographer in Roanoke, Virginia has left people around the country in shock.
Allina Health psychologist Dr. Cheryl Bemel says events of this magnitude are "a shock to our mind and body."
"When those feelings come up, whether it's a feeling in the gut or the mind or emotions to, instead of fighting those just allow them to happen," Bemel said. "That's how we process trauma."
Bemel admits even she got chills when she heard about the killings of Alison Parker and Adam Ward, adding that the gunman's actions go far beyond being a disgruntled worker.
"People get upset at work. It's a common phenomenon, but what happened is incredibly atypical and outrageous," Bemel said.
She weighed in on Vester Flanagan's decision to videotape the shootings and then share the images.
"It certainly speaks to the likelihood of him not having much of a conscience, and that his anger was out of control to the point of the rage that he premeditated this," she said.
Some of the strongest reaction to the murders has come from journalists who do the same kind of work as the victims.
"Just the vengeance of it, it's just kind of haunting," WCCO-TV reporter Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield said. "A lot of people say, 'Hey, if there's somebody in our workplace who's going to snap, I think I know who it is,' and it's almost kind of like a joke -- and this really happened."
The reporter and photographer were both in their 20s.
"They are innocent victims, and of course they didn't deserve any of this," Bemel said. "And the best thing that survivors can do to minimize trauma is to honor the lives of those we've lost."
The staff at WDBJ in Roanoke is seeing an outpouring of support from the community.
Viewers have been leaving flowers and gifts in memory of the reporter and photographer who were killed.
If you're concerned about a co-worker or friend and believe they may be struggling with mental health issues, learn more about how to get help here.