5:45pm The
two people who were shot in West Ambler Johnston this morning, a male
and a female, are deceased. The male's name was Ryan Clark.
5:10pm Ten
agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are
now on the Virginia Tech campus assisting with weapons identification.
They are collecting shell casings and running some preliminary tests on
scene. Once the weapon has been identified, they will begin an "urgent
trace" to determine its origins - where it came from, to whom it
was registered, and its history of ownership. All material will be sent
to the ATF's national crime lab in Maryland. Former Assistant FBI Director
Bill Gavin said if reports that the shooter chained the doors to Norris
Hall are true, that is “definite proof of premeditation,”
as is the number of magazines and rounds of ammunition he apparently had.
Families wishing to reunite with students are suggested
to meet at the Inn at Virginia Tech. School officials are making plans
for a convocation Tuesday at noon at Cassell Coliseum. From Fox News
4:50pm:
Virginia Tech remains closed on Monday, April 16, 2007. Vehicular
entrances to campus are severely restricted to essential personnel only.
Additional security remains on campus as the investigation continues.
Counseling assistance for students in available at West
Ambler Johnston and McComas Hall until 9 p.m. tonight. Students are encouraged
to utilize these services. Counseling for faculty and staff is available
at the Bowman Room in the Merriman Center (athletic complex). Student
may also be together at the Old Dominion Ballroom at Squires Student Center.
The university will also close on Tuesday, April 17. Essential
personal are to report for work. Classes will be canceled.
A public gathering will be held Tuesday, April 17 at Cassell
Coliseum at 2 p.m. (a time change from the originally scheduled 10 a.m.
gathering).
All students are urged to contact their parents as soon
as possible to let them know individuals are safe.
Students, faculty, and staff who may have any information
related to the incident at West Amber Johnston Hall and Norris Hall are
encouraged to go to the Blacksburg Police Department to make statements,
or call 540-231-TIPP (8477), or 231-6411
Parents with concerns are asked to call the Dean of Students
Office at 540-231-3787.
Individuals injured in the two shootings have been taken
to area hospitals.
3:48pm:
The university's convocation for tomorrow at Cassell Coliseum is scheduled
for 2pm, not noon as originally reported by local news. New article has
been posted below.
2:52pm:
President Bush is scheduled to speak on the shooting at 4:15pm, and a
Virginia Tech press conference will follow at 4:30pm. The shooter was
found in the basement of Norris Hall. Death toll is now reported to be
31, many students are receiving critical care.
2:03pm:
The US Justice Department is reporting 32 fatalities in the shooting incident.
1:54pm: It
is still unclear whether or not the gunman was shot or killed himself.
According to MSNBC and student report interviews, he may have been searching
for his girlfriend and her new boyfriend, but is unconfirmed. University
officials are notifying victim's family. State Police are still investigating
various crime scenes, and trying to identify all the victims
1:48pm: Derek
O'dell, a sophomore biology major was in a classroom on the second floor
of Norris Hall when the shooter came in and began to shoot. He let off
a full round before leaving. O'dell was one of 10-15 people shot in the
class, and was hit in his upper arm. According to O'dell, the shooter
was an Asian male in his twenties wearing a maroon hat and a black coat.
1:43pm: Planet
Blacksburg would like to request that people send any photos they have
taken on campus during this incident to post on the site. Send pictures
to k@vt.edu and please indicate if you would rather us not to post your
name along with the photo.
1:03pm:
President of the University, Charles Steger has released a statment here.
State police said much of the carnage occurred in Norris Hall where classes
were being held. The shooting took place in more than one classroom; Norris
classrooms are moderately sized rooms, and is mainly the building used
by the Engineering, Science and Mechanics departments, but other classes
are also held there that are not apart of ESM FBI officers were also seen
on campus. State, local, and campus police have been assisting with the
incident. The White House is expected to give a response. The associated
press is calling the incident the deadliest college shooting in US history.
12:56pm:
Families wishing to reunite with students are suggested to meet at the
Inn at Virginia Tech. The university is planning a convocation for tomorrow
at noon at Cassell Coliseum for the university community to come together
to begin to deal with the tragedy. Counseling is available in the Bowman
Room in the Merriman Center (part of the athletic complex) for employees
who seek assistance following today’s events. All faculty and staff
have been released and asked to go home effective immediately. The university
will open tomorrow at 8 a.m. but classes are canceled.
12:51pm: 1
person killed at initial shooting at 7:15 this morning at West Ambler
Johnston, 20 additional killed at Norris Hall, and the remaining person
dead is the shooter.
12:30pm: 22
confirmed dead, and 28 injured. Gunman is confirmed dead.
12:05pm: Two
faculty members have confirmed more than ten ambulances have come and
gone, which substantiates the unconfirmed reports that there are multiple
I injuries. Said there are four patients en route to the New River Valley
Medical Center, two are en route to Roanoke Memorial, and they received
one earlier, which totals seven people and are sending additional ambulances.
There are 8-30 injuries according to University Official and one confirmed
fatality. Authorities believe they have apprehended the people involved
in the incident. If the campus is evacuated, then police will do so one
class at a time. An official said the incident may include among its victims,
a female student, a dorm resident advisor, and perhaps a faculty member.
