May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 4

[granmaz]

The number of dead is now 31 including the gunman. How terrible.

 

[birkner]

The number of dead is now 31 including the gunman. How terrible.

Gunman kills 30 on Virginia Tech campus
By SUE LINDSEY, Associated Press Writer

BLACKSBURG, Va. - A gunman opened fire in a Virginia Tech dorm and then, two hours later, in a classroom across campus Monday, killing at least 30 people in the deadliest shooting rampage in U.S. history, government officials told The Associated Press. The gunman was killed, bringing the death toll to 31.
Today the university was struck with a tragedy that we consider of monumental proportions," said Virginia Tech president Charles Steger. "The university is shocked and indeed horrified."

It was not immediately clear whether the gunman was shot by police or took his own life. His name was not released, investigators offered no motive for the attack. It was not known if the gunman was a student.

The shootings spread panic and confusion on campus, with witnesses reporting students jumping out the windows of a classroom building to escape the gunfire. SWAT team members with helmets, flak jackets and assault rifles swarmed over the campus. Students and faculty members carried out some of the wounded themselves, without waiting for ambulances to arrive.

The massacre took place at opposite sides of the 2,600-acre campus, beginning at about 7:15 a.m. at West Ambler Johnston, a coed dormitory that houses 895 people, and continuing at least two hours later at Norris Hall, an engineering building about a half-mile away, authorities said.

Police said they were still investigating the shooting at the dorm when they got word of gunfire at the classroom building.

After the first shots were fired, students were warned to stay indoors and away from the windows. But some students said they thought the precautions had been lifted by the time the second burst of gunfire was heard, and some bitterly questioned why the gunman was able to strike a second time, two hours after the bloodshed began.

"What happened today this was ridiculous. And I don't know what happened or what was going through this guy's mind," student Jason Piatt told CNN. "But I'm pretty outraged and I'll say on the record I'm pretty outraged that someone died in a shooting in a dorm at 7 o'clock in the morning and the first e-mail about it — no mention of locking down campus, no mention of canceling classes — they just mention that they're investigating a shooting two hours later at 9:22."

He added: "That's pretty ridiculous and meanwhile, while they're sending out that e-mail, 22 more people got killed."

FBI spokesman Richard Kolko in Washington said there was no evidence to suggest it was a terrorist attack, "but all avenues will be explored."

Up until Monday, the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history was in Killeen, Texas, in 1991, when George Hennard drove his pickup into a Luby's Cafeteria and shot 23 people to death, then himself.

 

[Jhalkias]

To my UK friends . . .

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. I think I had mentioned that our son, Alex, wanted to go to Europe this summer before he begins medical school. Originally, he was to go with a friend, but, for various reasons, he is now solo.

We were talking this weekend, and he has trimmed back his plans to visiting the UK (London) and Paris. Alex has been to France twice – once as an eighth grader, and once as a HS Junior. While he may be a bit rusty, his French is pretty good. He has never been to London (although his English is probably OK too! ).

Can you give me any help/suggestions on where he can/should stay keeping in mind the budget of a student? Are there youth hostels, etc. that would make sense and be safe for a 20 year old young man to stay in if he wants to tour London and then go over to Paris? He is thinking he will spend 2-3 weeks and then fly home. I may try to book him some time at DL Paris with DVC points. Is there a better time to visit during the summer?

I want him to have a good, safe, and fun trip. My only worry is that he will be on his own. While he is very independent and self-sufficient, I still worry as a parent. Feel free to pm me with any suggestions, or email too at john.halkias@mac.com.

Thanks!

 

[disneylover5]

Another friend just stopped by my house and her son's has a friend whose girlfriend was killed.

 

[granmaz]

To my UK friends . . .

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. I think I had mentioned that our son, Alex, wanted to go to Europe this summer before he begins medical school. Originally, he was to go with a friend, but, for various reasons, he is now solo.

We were talking this weekend, and he has trimmed back his plans to visiting the UK (London) and Paris. Alex has been to France twice – once as an eighth grader, and once as a HS Junior. While he may be a bit rusty, his French is pretty good. He has never been to London (although his English is probably OK too! ).

Can you give me any help/suggestions on where he can/should stay keeping in mind the budget of a student? Are there youth hostels, etc. that would make sense and be safe for a 20 year old young man to stay in if he wants to tour London and then go over to Paris? He is thinking he will spend 2-3 weeks and then fly home. I may try to book him some time at DL Paris with DVC points. Is there a better time to visit during the summer?

I want him to have a good, safe, and fun trip. My only worry is that he will be on his own. While he is very independent and self-sufficient, I still worry as a parent. Feel free to pm me with any suggestions, or email too at john.halkias@mac.com.

Thanks!

I will be thinking about this John. Mandy(UKAngel) lives much closer than me and has a student age daughter, so she may be able to help more. It wouldn't surprise me if there are agencies or groups that can help.

Another friend just stopped by my house and her son's has a friend whose girlfriend was killed.

Oh I am so sorry. Going to be bad news for many parents tonight. Heartbreaking.

 

[mom_of_2_princesses]

Another friend just stopped by my house and her son's has a friend whose girlfriend was killed.

That is horrible news. I am so sorry for these families that are involved in this horrible situation.

 

[kymma]

We watched Space Camp this weekend with the boys. They had never seen it. Anybody remember that movie? It was very 80's, but actually held up pretty well. The boys thought it was fun.

Oh I remember that movie. I loved it when it came out back in the 80's but haven't seen it in years.

 

[kymma]

Another friend just stopped by my house and her son's has a friend whose girlfriend was killed.

That is horrible news.

It's almost inconceivable that this could happen.

 

[lbgraves]

I am crying so much now....22 dead.....28 injured. I was at all of these places all weekend. I can't believe this. I heard this at 10 in my car and I called my DS best friend. He lives in Pritchard. We hung out there (next to West AJ..the dorm that was shot up). He was just getting up right when it was being announced to the public. He said all the alarms were going off all over the campus and they have PA system thoughout the entire campus. Matt said it was repeating over and over "Take cover"

Norris Hall (the Engineering Building) is right next to where we spent most of our day. It is such a beautiful peaceful campus..I just can't believe this

Another friend just stopped by my house and her son's has a friend whose girlfriend was killed.

I just remembered that there were fellow Hokies and Hokies to be here. I am glad that you and your son were not there today and that his friend is OK. I have chills and am sitting here listening to the news reports still shaking my head. I can't understand what could make someone do this.

 

[Jhalkias]

Another friend just stopped by my house and her son's has a friend whose girlfriend was killed.

My stomach churns and my eyes tear up as I read this. I can't imagine the pain.

 

[birkner]

Another friend just stopped by my house and her son's has a friend whose girlfriend was killed.

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to all of those families who have lost family members.

 

[kimerinc]

I didn't know Steve had a record! I didn't even think he drank much . . . I'll have to keep an eye on him . . . how was the jail time?

That's funny! Steve in jail! But he does suprise me, like the banana on the jumbotron at the goofy pool.

 

[kimerinc]

Gunman kills 21 at Virginia Tech
By SUE LINDSEY
Associated Press Writer

BLACKSBURG, Va. - A gunman opened fire in a dorm and classroom at Virginia Tech on Monday, killing 21 people and wounding another 21 before he was killed, police said.

Today the university was struck with a tragedy that we consider of monumental proportions," said university president Charles Steger.

The university reported shootings at opposite sides of the 2,600-acre campus, beginning at about 7:15 a.m. at West Ambler Johnston, a co-ed residence hall that houses 895 people, and continuing about two hours later at Norris Hall, an engineering building.

All entrances to the campus were closed and classes canceled through Tuesday.

"There's just a lot of commotion. It's hard to tell exactly what's going on," said student Jason Anthony Smith, 19, who lives in the dorm where shooting took place.

Aimee Kanode, a freshman from Martinsville, said the shooting happened on the 4th floor of West Ambler Johnston dormitory, one floor above her room. Kanode's resident assistant knocked on her door about 8 a.m. to notify students to stay put.

"They had us under lockdown," Kanode said. "They temporarily lifted the lockdown, the gunman shot again."

"We're all locked in our dorms surfing the Internet trying to figure out what's going on," Kanode said.

Madison Van Duyne, a student who was interviewed by telephone on CNN, said, "We are all in lockdown. Most of the students are sitting on the floors away from the windows just trying to be as safe as possible."

It was second time in less than a year that the campus was closed because of a shooting.

In August 2006, the opening day of classes was canceled and the campus closed when an escaped jail inmate allegedly killed a hospital guard off campus and fled to the Tech area. A sheriff's deputy involved in the manhunt was killed on a trail just off campus.

The accused gunman, William Morva, faces capital murder charges.

Those poor families! I cannot imagine.

 

[fourmcds]

Another friend just stopped by my house and her son's has a friend whose girlfriend was killed.

I am so sorry. Has there been any indication as to why this happened? I haven't heard any release of info about motives, but thought someone might have some idea. This is just such sad news and such a horrible time for those families, friends and students. Hope you are holding up OK Lisa.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Another friend just stopped by my house and her son's has a friend whose girlfriend was killed.

Go hug your son Lisa...hug your whole family...didn't you just get back from there yesterday? OMG...

how tragic...how senseless...

I think we should all go hug our families today...keep them close and hold them tight.

 

[kimerinc]

I am crying so much now....22 dead.....28 injured. I was at all of these places all weekend. I can't believe this. I heard this at 10 in my car and I called my DS best friend. He lives in Pritchard. We hung out there (next to West AJ..the dorm that was shot up). He was just getting up right when it was being announced to the public. He said all the alarms were going off all over the campus and they have PA system thoughout the entire campus. Matt said it was repeating over and over "Take cover"

Norris Hall (the Engineering Building) is right next to where we spent most of our day. It is such a beautiful peaceful campus..I just can't believe this

You must feel so close. I am sorry!

 

[birkner]

I am so sorry. Has there been any indication as to why this happened? I haven't heard any release of info about motives, but thought someone might have some idea. This is just such sad news and such a horrible time for those families, friends and students. Hope you are holding up OK Lisa.

I have not seen any speculation or rationale posted as to why this terrible situation occured.

 

[fourmcds]

4:50 PM ET Update: Virginia Tech's president says 33 people, including the gunman, were killed in the campus shooting rampage. (AP)

Everytime a news flash like this hits my computer, I just feel more and more sadness. I agree Deb...tonight is a night that everyone gets just one more extra special huge hug!

 

[birkner]

4:50 PM ET Update: Virginia Tech's president says 33 people, including the gunman, were killed in the campus shooting rampage. (AP)

Everytime a news flash like this hits my computer, I just feel more and more sadness. I agree Deb...tonight is a night that everyone gets just one more extra special huge hug!

It is so scary for anyone of us having kids in college anywhere that something like this can happen!!

 

[disneylover5]

I am so sorry. Has there been any indication as to why this happened? I haven't heard any release of info about motives, but thought someone might have some idea. This is just such sad news and such a horrible time for those families, friends and students. Hope you are holding up OK Lisa.

The inside scoop from the kids on the campus is this a girlfriend/boyfriend issue. Lots of my sons friends have been IMing and posting on Facebook.

He was looking for a girl went to her dorm didn't get her and then hid until he knew her first class was in Norris...which meant she was an Engineering student.

The VT President is on TV giving a news conference now. I talked with this guy on Sat.....just so hard to believe......