http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6560685.stm
A US shooting rampage at the Virginia Tech university has left 33 people, including a suspected gunman, dead.

There were two incidents two hours apart, at a student dorm where two were killed and at an engineering building where 30 and the gunman died.

Officers said they were working to link the attacks and had not yet identified the gunman. Fifteen people were hurt.

After the deadliest shooting rampage in US history, President George W Bush said the US was "shocked and saddened".

"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," he said.

The state university in the town of Blacksburg is home to 26,000 students.

I just heard about this and my heart goes out to anyone who has loved ones attending that university.

Truly tragic. The University should've shut down the school after the first incident.

a lot of people are asking that question around these parts... hopefully there are a few more answers at tomorrow's press conference... thoughts and prayers to students/faculty and families

So tragic, this has weighed heavy on my mind and heart all day.

my friends friend died in it. Really sad.

Just terrible.. Sending thoughts to those affected..

The minimal number of views and responses to this thread speaks volumes about the priorities of the majority of people on the Fuse and in America in general. ETA - Melikon, I know that this is a frustrating and sad time... People react to events such as these so differently.. This thread was just created a few hours ago, give it time...

My thoughts and prayers are definitely with Va tech, it is a truly a sad day. I am at a complete loss and the fact that this thread has received so little attention is really depressing

I have a friend who lives in West Virginia who I lost touch with a year ago.

Every few years something like this happens. What's scary is gun crime is starting to become prevalent here in England now too.

My thoughts and heart go out to the families and people who have suffered because of the shootings.

I send prayers to Virginia. This is one of the saddest events that did not happen to me personally, that I can remember. I can't make sense of this. As a graduating senior, my heart goes out to all of those people.

College is supposed to be a place where you feel like you are in a safe environment that nurtures learning...not this. And for a second time in a school year. I hope they can make sense out of this tragedy and rise above.

I have a friend that was on campus and thankfully is safe.

Based on what we know I believe the authorities and the school made the best decision they could have at the time w/the information that they had. It doesn’t help that the media is wildly speculating and pretty much began doing so as soon as the news broke. Will changes be made? Of course. Looking back, are there things that could have been done better? Always. Hindsight is 20/20.

At this point I think it is most important that we take time to think of the lives lost and the people that are waking up this morning missing a family member or rushing to get to the side of a family member that is injured. In times like these that is what is most important.

I think we should be careful not to judge the degree of people's caring about this by the length of this thread. I haven't posted simply because I didn't know what to say. I have no words. But I didn't want to get involved in a debate in which blame was thrown around and possibly politics came into play. No one wanted this to happen, and if mistakes were made, they'll be addressed. I'm not making light of the situation at all, but I'd rather keep my thoughts private and I'm sure many others are doing the same.

And I don't even own an Xbox.

Well said PJ. And that was also my point, although I didn't get it out quite as well as you.

I think everyone should take a step back and just grieve for the families/friends of the victims. Leave it at that. Don't judge others because they choose to express their sorrow in other ways than posting on the 'lage.

PJ, I was just going to post something very similar, but you beat me to it. I was not planning on posting here right now, but a couple posts triggered me to do so. Not only am I a college student, but I also work at one. I also know that there are many other students here at the 'Lage. Believe it or not, but this kind of thing has crossed my mind more than once while I've been sitting in a classroom. I've had FoxNews channel on almost nonstop since yesterday morning, including overnight last night. When I open up the Fuselage, it's because I need a little break from it all. I don't believe there's anyone here that doesn't care.
I really cannot even imagine how it would feel to be one of those parents, or survivors. It's almost too much to think about right now.

Not only am I a college student, but I also work at one. I also know that there are many other students here at the 'Lage. Believe it or not, but this kind of thing has crossed my mind more than once while I've been sitting in a classroom. I've had FoxNews channel on almost nonstop since yesterday morning, including overnight last night. When I open up the Fuselage, it's because I need a little break from it all. I don't believe there's anyone here that doesn't care.
I really cannot even imagine how it would feel to be one of those parents, or survivors. It's almost too much to think about right now.

I completely know how you feel lostgurl. A few years ago my city was plagued by a freeway shooter who did actually kill someone. So the thought of someone coming into a classroom and shooting students was not too far fetched of a fear.

This is an event that will be ingrained in all of our heads and hearts. I was working on a group project with another student and everytime we heard loud voices and noises we were startled. I feel for those actually there. I can't imagine the fear and insecurity they feel.

Well said, both pace and chelly... That was my point as well.. People react to these things so differently; there is no right and wrong way.

It's a tragic thing that happened yesterday. It's difficult to know what to say about these things sometimes, though. All I can say is that my thoughts go to those poor families and the friends of the ones who were killed and injured.

I think we should be careful not to judge the degree of people's caring about this by the length of this thread. I haven't posted simply because I didn't know what to say. I have no words. But I didn't want to get involved in a debate in which blame was thrown around and possibly politics came into play. No one wanted this to happen, and if mistakes were made, they'll be addressed. I'm not making light of the situation at all, but I'd rather keep my thoughts private and I'm sure many others are doing the same.

And I don't even own an Xbox.

Post removed.

Its so incredibly horrifying, I don't think anyone, anywhere, can truly express the sympathy
and sorrow that we all feel for the victims, survivors and witnesses.
I can not begin to imagine the terror that these poor students and faculty members must have felt. And the guilt that those who survived, injured or not, most likely will feel. I hope that anyone involved in any way seeks help in whatever way they are most comfortable with. Nothing like this should happen to anyone.
It makes no sense when things like this happen. There is no answer that will ever be good enough as to why he, or any of the others, do things like this.
There is no way to make it ok or take away any of the hurt caused to anyone touched by this.

To the friends, family, or members of Virginia Tech, I hope they all know that the world is watching and the world, while we can't feel their pain, we feel pain for them and are
thinking of them and their loved ones. If we could collectively take it away and make it all better for them, we would.

I send this post with a heavy heart. This is just too sad, words fail me.

Also, still, with a heavy heart, I whisper these word like a prayer.

In the arms of an Angel
fly away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room,
and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of an Angel;
may you find some comfort here

Sarah McLachlan - In The Arms Of An Angel lyrics

Today while watching more news coverage I thought of a poem I read at my grandmother's funeral (which was 10 days after 9/11). I've looked to this poem many times in my life after experiencing a loss. When I first discovered the poem in high school the author was listed as "Anonymous", however, I later found out through further research that there are a few claiming to be the author.

Anyway, here's the poem:

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

~Anonymous

We here from Brazil mourn with the people in Virginia, lets not lose our faith in mankind, and try to build a better world without these kind of sad news that flood our planet.We mourn for those on VA Tech, the young ones that died with no reason, with no chance to fulfill their dreams.