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This CNN TV grab shows police carrying
students out of a building at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia,
Monday, April 16, 2007. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery>>> |
BEIJING, April 16 -- 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.
(Source: cctv.com)