Virginia Tech Campus Shootings Leave 22 Dead; Gunman Killed

(BLACKSBURG, Va) - Two shootings on the Virginia Tech campus today have left 22 confirmed dead, including students.

There are unconfirmed reports that the suspect was a young Asian-American male, who was looking for his girlfriend.

There are media reports that the gunman used two 9-MM handguns during the rampage.

Families wishing to reunite with students are suggested to meet at the Inn at Virginia Tech.

The university is planning a convocation for Tuesday 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.

Crime scenes are being investigated by the FBI, University Police, and State Police.

At about 7:15 AM this morning a 911 call came to the University Police Department concerning an event in West Ambler Johnston Hall. There were multiple shooting victims.

While in the process of investigating, about two hours later the university received reports of a shooting in Norris Hall.

The police immediately responded. Victims have been transported to various hospitals in the immediate area in the region to receive emergency treatment.

Opening day in August 2006 will always be remembered as the day when an escaped jail inmate allegedly killed a hospital guard off campus and fled to the university. A sheriff's deputy died involved in the manhunt just off campus.