Categories: U.S. News

Car chase suicide live on Fox News

Fox News has apologized for showing a man fatally shooting himself in the head on live television.

Fox News on Friday was covering a high-speed chase that began in Phoenix, Arizona, using a live helicopter shot.

After driving for dozens of miles into the desert, the motorist stopped and ran on to a dirt road. He then put a handgun to his head and fired.

TV anchor Shepard Smith later apologized to viewers for not cutting away.

“We really messed up,” he said.

Phoenix police say the chase may have started with a car-jacking.

Fox News on Friday was covering a high-speed chase that began in Phoenix, Arizona, using a live helicopter shot

Police spokesman Sgt. Tommy Thompson said the man was alleged to have stolen the car from a couple at gunpoint outside a restaurant just before 11:00 local time.

Police tracked down the car and began pursuit. The driver fired several shots at the police car, but no officers were hurt.

The car travelled west on Interstate highway 10, before turning on to a dirt road about 70 miles (113 km) to 80 miles from the state border with California.

“He got out of the car and shot himself,” Sgt. Tommy Thompson said.

“Efforts to revive him were not successful and he was dead at the scene. We don’t have an ID yet.”

“We’re all very sorry,” said Shepard Smith after the incident.

“That didn’t belong on TV.”

Michael Clemente, executive vice-president of news editorial at Fox News, said the channel had taken pains to avoid distressing viewers but had failed.

“We took every precaution to avoid any such live incident by putting the helicopter pictures on a five-second delay,” he said.

“Unfortunately, this mistake was the result of a severe human error and we apologize for what viewers ultimately saw on the screen.”

Fox News Channel has a reputation for picking up car chases from its local affiliates and airing them live.

Making for gripping television, such footage often provides a short-term ratings boost as viewers tune in to see how they end, the Associated Press news agency notes.

It is not the first time that a suicide has been inadvertently broadcast live on American television.

Christine Chubbuck shot herself dead on Florida’s WXLT-TV channel (now WWSB) in 1974 while presenting a news programme.

It is common practice for broadcasters to delay live material by a few seconds as a control mechanism.

c9Be5M0JF40 dN_h4hWejGM VijQTLvKzG0
Diane A. Wade

Diane is a perfectionist. She enjoys searching the internet for the hottest events from around the world and writing an article about it. The details matter to her, so she makes sure the information is easy to read and understand. She likes traveling and history, especially ancient history. Being a very sociable person she has a blast having barbeque with family and friends.

Recent Posts

Donald Trump and Elon Musk Celebrate Election Victory at UFC 309

Image source: Wikimedia Commons President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his election victory at the Ultimate Fighting…

5 days ago

White House 2024: Donald Trump Wins, Kamala Harris Calls Him to Concede Election

Millions of voters across the US chose to return Donald Trump to the White House…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Donald Trump Declares Victory as He Addresses Jubilant Supporters in Florida

Donald Trump declares victory in the US election as he addresses jubilant supporters in Florida.…

2 weeks ago

Stocks Soaring as Donald Trump Closes in on US Victory

Stocks around the world are rising as Donald Trump appears to be on the cusp…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Kamala Harris Cancels Election Night Party as Path to Victory Narrows

Donald Trump has won Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia and taken a lead over Kamala…

2 weeks ago

Quincy Jones Dead at 91

Quincy Jones, the celebrated musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray…

2 weeks ago