By David Lohr
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(Continued)
"The university was struck today with a tragedy of monumental proportions," Steger said. "There were two shootings on campus. In each case, there were fatalities. The university is shocked and horrified that this would befall our campus. I want to extend my deepest, sincerest and most profound sympathies to the families of these victims, which include students... We continue to work to identify the victims impacted by this tragedy. I cannot begin to covey my own personal sense of loss over this senselessness of such an incomprehensible and heinous act..."
Following the shootings, Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine declared a State Of Emergency, and President George W. Bush addressed the nation during an afternoon press conference.
"Our nation is shocked and saddened by the news of the shootings at Virginia Tech today," President Bush said. "The exact total has not yet been confirmed, but it appears that more than 30 people were killed and many more were wounded.
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| Virginia Tech President Charles Steger |
"I've spoken with Governor Tim Kaine and Virginia Tech President Charles Steger. I told them that Laura and I and many across our nation are praying for the victims and their families and all the members of the university community who have been devastated by this terrible tragedy. I told them that my administration would do everything possible to assist with the investigation and that I pledged that we would stand ready to help local law enforcement and the local community in any way we can during this time of sorrow.
"Schools should be places of safety, and sanctuary and learning. When that sanctuary is violated, the impact is felt in every American classroom and every American community. Today, our nation grieves with those who have lost loved ones at Virginia Tech. We hold the victims in our hearts, we lift them up in our prayers, and we ask a loving God to comfort those who are suffering today."
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| Cho Seung-Hui |
Police say the gunman in the second shooting used two handguns and that he had multiple rounds of ammunition on his person. Police have tied Cho Seung-Hui, an English major from Centerville, VA, to both shooting attacks.
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