Watch: Three Black Men Shot While Streaming on Facebook Live
Three men, two 27-year-olds and one 29-year-old, in Norfolk, Virginia, decided to stream their music-filled hangout session on Tuesday by using the Facebook Live application. However, the relaxing afternoon quickly turned into a nightmare when a gunman shot at the men and the entire incident was caught on camera.
TJ Williams recorded the video and posted it to his Facebook page. The streaming session initially shows the three men listening to music and smoking in a car. Friends said that Dante Rashad Williams is one of the other passengers, but this hasn't been confirmed by officials.
About five minutes into the stream, shots are fired and Williams’s cell phone falls to the ground. Although he was no longer actively recording, the phone continued to stream the floor of the car for an additional hour.
After the shooting ceases, a voice can be heard saying, “Call the ambulance please.” The voice can then be heard giving an address to emergency responders. The man continues to stay with the victims and attempts to keep them alert and awake.
“Look at me, stay relaxed, don’t go to sleep,” the man says. “Give me your hand, stay relaxed. I got you, stay with me. It’s going to be alright, they coming.”
He continues to stay with the victims until emergency responders reach the scene a few minutes later. According to Norfolk.gov, the men were taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and two of the men are doing much better, yet one remains in critical condition.
No details have been released regarding the suspected shooter’s description, however, anyone with information is urged to contact the Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887) or text ‘NORFOLK’ and your tip to 274637 (CRIMES).
The video in its entirety can be viewed below. Warning: the video is graphic.