Virginia Tech Campus: The Deadliest Shooting Spree in US History

The brisk snowflakes and the cold temperatures aren't the only factors causing the horrible chill in Blacksburg, Virginia this afternoon. The nation's largest campus killing spree has Virginia residents reeling with disbelief at the unnecessary violence. The inevitable shock and realization of a tragedy happening "To Me" must be unnerving for victims and family members alike. The possible death toll keeps climbing. First 21 deaths, then 30 deaths, and estimates as high as 32. Virginia Governor, Timothy Kane says it is, "difficult to comprehend senseless violence on this scale." This killing spree marks the deadliest in the history of the United States.

Virginia Tech's campus was turned upside down this morning when a gunman entered West Ambler Johnston Hall. Home to a group of 895 co-ed students, the dormitory was the first area of campus to be attacked. The editor-in-chief of the campus newspaper, Amie Steele said, "Mass chaos," was how the scene inside the dormitory was reported to her. Another student, Aimee Kanode reported being put on "lock down" about 8:00 am.

Approximately two later on the other side of campus, the gunman terrorized Norris Hall, shooting both staff and students. According to Fox News, Blake Harrison was passing Norris Hall on his way to class when he saw the commotion and devastation. "This teacher comes flying our of Norris, he's bleeding from his arm or his shoulder . . . all these students were coming out of Norris trying to take shelter in Randolph [Hall]. All these kids were freaked out," Harrison said. Over in Randolph Hall, Thomas Labella says his class was put on lock down statues and told they "should stay put." As they sat in the room from 9:30 until 12:30 under lock down, Labella said he and his friends were texting to find out what was happening but insists he "never heard any shots."

Sketchy information is surfacing in bits. Virginia Tech Vice President, Charles Steger acknowledged, "Today the university was struck with a tragedy that we consider of monumental proportions." It is confirmed that 21 people are dead, and at least 21 others have been injured. Seventeen victims have been transported to a local hospital and Carilion New River Valley Medical Center's Sharon Honaker confirmed to CNN that 4 patients have arrived at that facility. One of the patients is said to be in critical condition. CNN reported that Chief Wendell Finchum verified some of the victims were also shot in a classroom, and that the gunman is dead. At this time it is not known if the shooter was a student enrolled at Virginia Tech.

Nearly 8 years ago, Littleton, Colorado felt this gut-wrenching blast of shock and disbelief. Columbine High was ambushed with an attack that left 12 students and I teacher victimized by 2 gunman who also took their own lives. As Americans across the nation offer prayers and sympathies to Virginia Tech, we also remember the horror of Columbine. White House spokesperson, Dana Perino shares that the President and Mrs. Bush are "horrified by the rampage and offer their prayers and sympathies." For an instant, most Americans agree with the Bush administration. As the details come in, Virginia Tech will face new challenges. We can only hope for an end to this killer's list of victims.