Tweeting Journalists Tag WeStandWithWDBJ to Mourn 2 of Their Own After On-Air Slayings

— -- Mourning journalists across the country have tweeted emotional tributes to the two WDBJ-TV staffers who died Wednesday after a live, on-air shooting in Moneta, Virginia.

Using test patterns for profile photos and hashtagging #WeStandWithWDBJ, reporters and anchors from various news organizations are sounding off on the social media site to honor Alison Parker, 24, and Adam Ward, 27.

Vicki Chen, an investigative producer at ABC affiliate station KVUE-TV in Austin Texas, has been credited with initiating the digital eulogies by creating the hashtag hours after the shooting.

“Yesterday my photographer and I were out in the field on assignment like we are often throughout during the week,” she said. “We were out shooting some video and we had a moment of fear. I said ‘Why am I scared right now? This is like any other shoot I’ve been on.’

“I had this moment saying we shouldn’t be scared today," Chen added. We should be proud of doing what we always do.”

After seeing reactions of journalist tweeting their reactions to the shooting, Chen said she came up with the hashtag in tribute of the victims.

“I had no idea what type of response it would get,” she added. “For me, it was doing something that was going to ease the pain. In a small way I was hoping ‘Hey, maybe this can help my friends who are feeling the same way.’”

Journalists from leading news outlets such as CBS, FOX and ABC are participating in the social movement in an effort to memorialize Parker and Ward.