This is horrific. CNN’s report says 21. ABC’s report says 29 dead. A local Fox station in Washington, D.C., and WaPo now claim 32 dead. (h/t to ejmw).
Bush’s comments on the shooting (as conveyed by Dana Perino, White House Deputy Press Secretary):
“He was horrified and his immediate reaction was one of deep concern for the families of the victims, the victims themselves, the students, the professors and all the people of Virginia who have dealt with this shocking incident,” White House deputy press secretary Dana Perino said. “His thoughts and prayers are with them.”
“The president believes that there is a right for people to bear arms, but that all laws must be followed,” Perino said, noting that Bush and Education Secretary Margaret Spellings held a conference on school gun violence last October. “Certainly, bringing a gun into a school domitory and shooting … is against the law and something someone should be held accountable for,” Perino said.
Questions for Ms. Perino: Isn’t it just a wee bit inappropriate to insert the 2nd amendment and the right to bear arms in the same breath as your statement about the President’s reaction to this horrible event? Is that really the best time to openly kowtow to the NRA and the gun lobby?
Update [2007-4-16 15:33:0 by Steven D]: The Post Chronicle reports that the shooter was looking for his estranged girlfriend while the shootings were in progress.
SECOND Update [2007-4-16 15:39:46 by Steven D]: Here’s a useful resource with detailed information on school shootings since 1997.
(cont.)
CNN
(CNN) — A lone gunman is dead after police said he killed at least 21 people Monday during twin shootings on the Virginia Tech campus — the worst school shooting incident in U.S. history. […]
The Associated Press quoted officials saying more than 20 people were wounded. A hospital spokeswoman told AP that 17 Virginia Tech students were being treated for gunshot wounds and other injuries.
Sharon Honaker at the Carilion New River Valley Medical Center in nearby Christiansburg, Virginia, told CNN that four patients had been transported there, one in critical condition.
One person was killed and others were wounded at multiple locations inside a dormitory about 7:15 a.m., Flinchum said. Two hours later, another shooting at Norris Hall, the engineering science and mechanics building, resulted in multiple casualties, the university reported. (Campus map)
The first reported shooting occurred at West Ambler Johnston Hall, a four-story coed dormitory that houses 895 students. The dormitory, one of the largest residence halls on the 2,600-acre campus, is located near the drill field and stadium.
Amie Steele, editor-in-chief of the campus newspaper, said one of her reporters at the dormitory reported “mass chaos.”
ABC
Apr. 16, 2007— At least 29 people are dead in what may be the biggest mass shooting in American history — and the death toll may rise.
At least 17 injured students were admitted to local hospitals.
WaPo
Thirty-two people have reportedly been killed and more than two dozen others injured during a shooting rampage this morning at Virginia Tech, making it the deadliest shooting spree in U.S. history, according to law enforcement sources.
AP map graphic of Campus showing where the shootings took place:
