Former Colorado Springs news director hired and fired Virginia gunman

A former Colorado Springs news director hired Vester Flanagan, the man who opened fire on a news crew and killed a Virginia reporter and photojournalist.

Dan Dennison was news director at KRDO-TV in 1995, but eventually was the news director at WDBJ. He hired and eventually fired the shooter.

“He had leveled a long complaint of series of co-workers, nearly early from the beginning of his employment at the TV station. All of his allegations were unfounded,” he said. “It was the only time I will tell you that it was recommended that I have a police escort out of the building in a termination procedure and did have it. He was not going to leave willingly on his own free will, it was a tough situation.”

In a 23-page manifesto the shooter sent to ABC News, the shooter showed praise for the Virginia Tech and Columbine shootings.

Former FBI profiler Pete Klismet says it’s typical for gunmen, in this capacity, to leave warning signs.

“They tell us what they’re going to do something, in advance. But despite the warning signs, we ignore and we don’t do anything,” he said.

While the manifesto claimed these attacks were due to workplace discrimination and violence, he says it will likely be considered a rampage.

“The key is you’re dealing with a certain unique type of individual,” he said. “To have power or authority over people who they perceived to have hurt them.”