The woman who survived an on-air shooting that killed two TV journalists in the US says the gunman never said a word.
In her first public comments since last month's shooting in Virginia, Vicki Gardner told Fox News that she was paying attention to the camera, but noticed something down the walkway.
"I just saw movement and then gunfire. Lots and lots of gunfire," the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce executive director said.
"From that point it was very chaotic."
Vester Flanagan walked up and opened fire, killing WDBJ-TV cameraman Adam Ward and reporter Alison Parker.
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Both died of gunshot wounds to the head and body.
Gardner thought she was next.
"I realised it was quiet and everybody was down. And I didn't know where (Flanagan) was," Gardner said.
"I felt as though the next shot - I knew - the next shot he was just going to shoot me in the head because that was what he was doing."
Gardner said after the initial shots, she instinctively dropped to the ground and got into the foetal position, pretending to be dead.
As he moved about, Flanagan was "very silent" and didn't speak, Gardner said.
The gunman returned and shot her in the back.
"Had I continued to stand, I would not be here talking to you," she said.
Flanagan fatally shot himself five hours later after a police chase.
Doctors removed a kidney from Gardner and part of her colon. She was released from a Roanoke hospital on September 7.
"I'm happy to be here," she said.
Gardner said although she has watched video of the shootings, it's too soon to return to the scene at the Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center.
"Why save me and take them?" she said of Parker and Ward.
"But obviously there's a purpose - and by golly I will fulfil it."
