At least 33 killed in Virginia Tech shooting rampage

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-17-2007 08:17

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An ambulance leaves the area near the back of Norris Hall, the site of a shooting on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., Monday, April 16, 2007. A gunman massacred 32 people at Virginia Tech in the deadliest shooting rampage in U.S. history Monday, cutting down his victims in two attacks two hours and a half-mile apart before the university could figure out what was going on and get the warning out to students. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Virginia Tech University has suffered what authorities are calling the deadliest campus shooting in US history. At least 33 people have been killed, and dozens more wounded, after a gunman went on a shooting rampage. All classes have been cancelled, and entrances to the campus have been sealed.

A gunman opened fire in a Virginia Tech dormitory and then in a classroom across campus two hours later on Monday, killing 32 people. He then committed suicide.

Charles Steger, Virginia Tech president, said, "The university is shocked and indeed horrified that this would befall us and I want to extend my deepest and most sincere and profound sympathies to the families of these victims, which include our students."

Students said there were no public-address announcements or other warnings on campus until an e-mail more than two hours after the first shooting, around the time the gunman struck again.

The college president said the university decided to rely on e-mail and other electronic means to notify members of the university, but with 11,000 people driving onto campus in the morning, it was difficult to reach everyone.

The shootings spread panic and confusion on campus.

Virginia Tech student, said, "It is just insane. That is such a big number, you know we were already saying that this was like a college-Columbine. It is just really sad."

Another student, said, "This is something that no one will ever get over, I mean the people who died, yes they've finished their pain but the pain for everybody else will just go on forever."

The US senate held a moment of silence for those killed in the shootings.

President George W. Bush described the shootings as a "terrible tragedy" and offered his condolences.

Bush said, "I told them that my administration will do everything possible to assist with the investigation and that our players stand ready to help, local law enforcement, and the local community, in any way we can during this time of sorrow."

At least 26 people were being treated at three area hospitals for gunshot wounds and other injuries.

Investigators offered no motive for the attack. The gunman's name was not immediately released, and it was not known if he was a student.