In the deadliest school attack in U.S. history, and the worst disaster since Columbine High School, a gunman has killed at least 21 students today* at Virginia Tech. The shooter, unidentified at this point, has also been killed. The shootings started this morning around 7am in one of the co-ed dormitories on campus. Several hours later, shooting began again at another dorm.
The small town of Blacksburg, Virginia is a peaceful community that has rarely before seen this level of violence (though there have been incidents in the past). Virginia Tech University is home to 26,000 students who study engineering, math, and sciences.
The school website advises families interested in checking in with their students to meet at the
Inn at Virginia Tech. The school will hold a convocation tomorrow at 2pm.
School violence such as this is proof positive that parents cannot assume their kids, at whatever age, are safe in public institutions. I'm not sure what the hell we are supposed to do about this, other than worry ourselves to death.
***Update***
Death toll now at 32 and climbing.
[Photo Credit: Associated Press]
