WASHINGTON — (CNN) Presidential candidates from both parties as well as the White House expressed sympathy over social media Wednesday, for the death of two journalists in Virginia who were killed live on air — though some Democrats focused in their messages on changing gun laws.

Vester Flanagan, a former WDBJ-TV reporter who was sought in connection with the shooting that killed reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward, shot himself shortly after the incident, officials have told CNN. He suffered life-threatening injuries, authorities said.

At the White House, Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Wednesday that is “another example of gun violence that’s become all too common.”

Speaking at a press conference, Earnest also called on Congress to consider gun-control legislation.

“There are some common sense things that would have a tangible impact on reducing gun violence,” he said. “Congress could take those steps that would not infringe upon the constitutional rights of all law-abiding Americans.”

Presidential candidates from both parties made their first reactions on social media.

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