2008 Woodie Awards
A Campus Under Attack
UD and VTech respond to mass shootings
Sarah Kenney & Sarah Lipman
Issue date: 4/17/07 Section: News
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More than 30 people are dead and at least 15 are injured after the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history occurred at Virgina Technical Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Va., yesterday morning.
The shootings, which took place just four days before the eighth anniversary of the shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., occurred in two different locations at the university, which has a student body of approximately 26,000.
The first shots were allegedly fired at approximately 7:15 a.m. at West Ambler Johnston Hall, a four-story co-ed residence hall, resulting in the deaths of two students.
At approximately 9:15 a.m., there was a second shooting at Norris Hall, the engineering science and mechanics building. At least 31 people, including the gunman, died at this scene.
In a televised press conference, Tech Police Chief Wendell Flinchum said preliminary police reports stated the lone shooter was found dead in Norris Hall, where the doors of the building were chained from the inside. He carried no identification and was described as an Asian male in his 20s. It is unclear whether the gunman was a student. Police confirmed the shooter committed suicide within the building.
Flinchum said police had a preliminary identification of the gunman from the Norris Hall shootings. He did not, however, confirm the shooter was the same one from the incident that occurred in West Ambler Johnston Hall. Two guns were recovered from the scene and are currently undergoing ballistics testing.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., university officials sent an e-mail to students and employees alerting them of the first shooting. At that time, the second shooting was underway. Twenty minutes later, at approximately 9:50 a.m., a second e-mail was sent which recommended students stay indoors and away from windows because a gunman was on the loose.
Tech freshman Phillip Murillas said the first e-mail did not cause him to question his safety.
"It really hit me when my friend read the second e-mail that said to stay inside and away from windows," Murillas said. "Then he drew his blinds - that was really symbolic. It showed me that at any moment we're not really safe."
Tech President Charles W. Steger said in a televised briefing that officials and police initially believed the first shooting was an isolated domestic incident and that the gunman had fled campus. At that time, they saw no need to close the university.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 9
Ashira
posted 4/17/07 @ 2:35 AM EST
Please join the University of Delaware community on the lawn in front of Old College (just off main st) for a vigil from 8 - 9 pm on Tuesday, April 17th. (Continued…)
gotarheels03
Mike Walther
posted 4/17/07 @ 2:37 AM EST
One thing that really bothered me in the wake of this tragedy is that VT University created a "guns-free killing zone" for this gunman. Virginia State law allows the carrying of guns on campus. (Continued…)
Mike Walther
posted 4/17/07 @ 12:19 PM EST
I would also rather live in an ideal world where no one needs a gun, knife, pepper spray etc. to protect themselves and others from those intent on committing senseless acts of violence. (Continued…)
Thomas McGrath
posted 4/18/07 @ 12:26 AM EST
After listening to a security expert on ABC tonight I thought it might be helpful to share what I learned. To prevent a door from opening inward, remove your belt and wedge it underneath the door to act as a stop. (Continued…)
Lauren
posted 4/18/07 @ 1:32 AM EST
There are a few things upsetting me about the VTech shootings and the aftermath.
At tonight's vigil, campus religious leaders and a few acapella groups provided the campus with a touching vigil. (Continued…)
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