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33 known dead in Va Tech shooting
President Bush's staff has talked to Virginia Tech officials about the possibility of Bush visiting campus this week, Tech President Charles Steger said at a press conference this evening. Authorities said they are still trying to determine whether the shootings at West Ambler Johnston Hall and Norris Hall are related. They have identified a person of interest in the Ambler Johnston shootings but do not have anyone in custody. That person is cooperating with authorities, they said. At Norris Hall, 31 people including the shooter were killed. Virginia Tech Police Chief Wendell Flinchum said the scene at Norris was probably one of the worst things Ive seen in my life. Authorities have made a preliminary identification of the shooter but dont plan to release his name, or that of any of the victims, until tomorrow. Another two, a woman and a male resident assistant, were killed at Ambler Johnston. 8:03 p.m. Tech police Chief Wendell Flinchum said that an estimated 15 people have been injured from today's shootings. 7:48 p.m. Tech police Chief Wendell Flinchum said police had made a preliminary identification of the shooter but were not releasing the identity at a press conference that is currently happening. He also said that two weapons had been recovered but declined to say what they were. 7:06 p.m. Norris Hall, where 31 of today's 33 victims died and 15 more were injured, is a crime investigation scene tonight. Police block passersby from approaching closer than Burruss Hall, Virginia Tech's main administrative building that sits between Norris and the Drillfield. A long piece of yellow police tape is tangled in a tree and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents seemed to be looking through windows of cars parked near Burruss. No vehicles are being allowed onto campus. A half dozen police trucks are parked near Norris, and officers are coming and going from the building. Very few other people are outside on that side of campus. At the Inn at Virginia Tech, a university hotel that has served as a staging area for today's press conferences and for students and family members seeking information, guards at the front door are only allowing friends and relatives of victims to enter. Media representatives are being sent to another door. The Inn is trying to keep rooms available for friends and family. "Hokies United" an ad hoc group that has brought together Virginia Tech's student organizations during past tragedies, is organizing a candlelight vigil tomorrow night on Tech's Drillfield. The event is open to the public and will begin at 7:30 p.m. Students are planning on passing a flame to light 10,000 candles at the event. It will also feature a yet-to-be-named speaker. Students are building a writing wall so people at the vigil can write messages in support of the victims.
Posted by: Steve White 2007-04-17 |
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