White House, Military React to ABC Journalists' Injuries
Jan. 29, 2006 — -- As ABC "World News Tonight" co-anchor Bob Woodruff and cameraman Doug Vogt recover after undergoing surgery for injuries sustained from an IED attack in Iraq, many are wishing the two journalists, husbands and fathers well.
Statement from the U.S. Military
ABC News Crew Injured in IED Attack
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Two members of an ABC news crew, embedded with the 4th Infantry Division, were injured when an improvised explosive device struck their armored personnel carrier north of Taji during a combined operation of Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces.
The two reporters, ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff and cameraman Doug Vogt, and an Iraqi Soldier, were injured in the attack at approximately 12:25 p.m. Jan. 29.
The wounded were evacuated to a military hospital for further treatment.
"Our immediate priority is the well-being of the two injured reporters and the Iraqi Soldier," said Lt. Col. Jonathan Withington, Multi-National Division -- Baghdad spokesman.
The incident is under investigation.
Statement from White House White House Deputy Press Secretary, Trent Duffy
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Woodruff and Mr. Vogt. We are praying for their full and speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with their families and their loved ones. The White House is offering to help in any way as the government does when any American is injured in the line of work."
Statements from ABC New President David Westin
1:08 p.m.
"We have learned from the U.S. military and from our producer on the scene that Bob and Doug are out of surgery and are both in stable condition. We take this as good news, but the next few days will be critical. The military plans to evacuate them to their medical facilities in Landstuhl, probably overnight tonight."
8:15 a.m.
"Bob Woodruff and his cameraman Doug Vogt were injured in an IED attack near Taji, Iraq today. They were embedded with the 4th Infantry Division, traveling with an Iraqi Army unit in an Iraqi mechanized vehicle. Bob and Doug are in serious condition and are being treated at a U.S. military hospital in Iraq. ABC News will provide updates on their condition as they become available."