Virginia Tech Statement by President Charles W. Steger
James Jones | 16.04.2007 20:30
The university was struck today with a tragedy of monumental proportions. There were two shootings on campus. In each case, there were fatalities. The university is shocked and horrified that this would befall our campus. I want to extend my deepest, sincerest and most profound sympathies to the families of these victims which include students There are 22 confirmed deaths.
We currently are in the process of notifying families of victims. The Virginia Tech Police are being assisted by numerous other jurisdictions. Crime scenes are being investigated by the FBI, University Police, and State Police. We continue to work to identify the victims impacted by this tragedy. I cannot begin to covey my own personal sense of loss over this senselessness of such an incomprehensible and heinous act The university will immediately set up counseling centers. So far centers have been identified in Ambler Johnston and the Cook Counseling Center to work with our campus community and families.
Here are some of the facts we know:
At about 7:15 a.m. this morning a 911 call came to the University Police Department concerning an event in West Ambler Johnston Hall. There were multiple shooting victims. While in the process of investigating, about two hours later the university received reports of a shooting in Norris Hall. The police immediately responded. Victims have been transported to various hospitals in the immediate area in the region to receive emergency treatment.
We will proceed to contact the families of victims as identities are available.
All classes are cancelled and the university is closed for the remainder of today. The university will open Tuesday at 8 a.m. but classes are cancelled. The police are currently staging the release of people from campus buildings.
Families wishing to reunite with the students are suggested to meet at the Inn at Virginia Tech. We are making plans for a convocation tomorrow (Tuesday) at noon at Cassell Coliseum for the university community to come together to begin to deal with the tragedy.
Podcast:: Statement by President Steger (3.1 MB; Length 3:21)
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Counseling is available in the Bowman Room on the fourth floor of Jamerson Athletic Center, accessible from Jamerson or the Merryman Athletic Facility, for employees who seek assistance following today's events.
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Virginia Tech has closed today Monday, April 16, 2007. On Tuesday, April 17, classes are canceled. The university will remain open for administrative operations.
Tuesday, there will be a university convocation/ceremony at 2 p.m. at Cassell Coliseum. The Inn at Virginia Tech has been designated as the site for parents to gather and obtain information.
James Jones
Comments
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Shooter In Custody
16.04.2007 21:12
Conflicting report to mainstream media from Blacksburg Alert Blacksburg Va
In addition to an earlier shooting today in West Ambler Johnston, there has been a multiple shooting with multiple victims in Norris Hall.
Police and EMS are on the scene.
Police have one shooter in custody and as part of routine police procedure, they continue to search for a second shooter.
All Town of Blacksburg facilities are closed until further notice.
All Town programs and meetings are canceled for today and tonight.
Blacksburg Transit has suspended service until further notice.
For your safety the Town of Blacksburg is requesting that you stay indoors and keep your doors locked.
We will continue to send updates via Blacksburg Alert.
James Jones
Actual Emails
16.04.2007 21:36
8:14 AM entitled
"Emergency" from my RA: (Resident Advisor)
Guys,
Hey what's up due to an
unforeseen emergency I ask that you all remain in AJ and specifically in your
room as there is a situation that requires you not leave the building. Questions
or concerns email me or call but I am being told that you should not exit the
building.
Thank you,
D
9:26 AM
entitled "Shooting on campus." from university:
A shooting incident
occurred at West Amber Johnston earlier this morning. Police are on the scene
and are investigating.
The university community is urged to be cautious
and are asked to contact Virginia Tech Police if you observe anything suspicious
or with information on the case. Contact Virginia Tech Police at
231-6411
Stay attuned to the www.vt.edu. We will post as soon as we have more
information.
9:50 AM entitled "PLease stay put" (sic) from
university:
A gunman is loose on campus. Stay in buildings until
further notice. Stay away from all windows
10:16 AM entitled
"All Classes Canceled; Stay where you are" from university:
Virginia
Tech has canceled all classes. Those on campus are asked to remain where there
are, lock their doors and stay away from windows. Persons off campus are asked
not to come to campus.
After that it's mostly the
updates that we received around the same time that the news agencies did. I
personally am alarmed that it took them so long to cancel classes (especially
considering they were also slow at the beginning of last semester, when Morva
was suspected to be hiding on campus). Let me know if there's anything else I
can do.
Morva refers to an incident in August last year
Rumours from students are saying the original lockdown was lifted because students panicking were jumping from windows
James Jones
tv coverage showed arrested man
16.04.2007 21:38
Police chief in the press conference said noone had been arrested.
Then who was the asian guy??
contradiction
Arrest
16.04.2007 22:44
James Jones
jaja
17.04.2007 23:25
j