Update: 12:25 p.m.
The local police chief (Chief Wendell Flinchum) is being interviewed on TV as I type. He just stated that there are at least 20 fatalities from two separate shootings at Virginia Tech this morning.
He also says that the suspected shooter is dead -- but did not know whether police killed him or he committed suicide. {There are conflicting reports regarding the suspect being in custody or dead.}
Here are the details, as I have heard them -- UPDATED -- from University President, Charles Steger, and the police chief:
- 7:40am - 911 call came into campus police from West AJ dorm (one dead on 4th floor)
- Two hours later (as investigation was going on in West AJ), reports came in regarding shootings in Norris Hall (20 dead)
- At least twenty-two dead (according to VT website)
- At least twenty-one wounded
- Two different shootings (two locations & two different times)
- Campus police, county police, state police and FBI are all on-site
Victims have been taken to Lewis-Gale Medical Center, Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (RMH) and Montgomery Regional Hospital. Virginia Tech is offering counseling to employees who want assistance after today's events. The counseling is available in the Bowman Room in the Merriman Center.
Update: 12:13 p.m.
FOXNews is reporting that 17 students are currently being treated for gunshot and/or other wounds at Montgomery Regional Hospital.
Eye witnesses are saying that a heavily-armed, "Asian-looking man", wearing a thick vest, entered Norris Hall this morning -- and started shooting indiscriminately into classrooms. One fatality has been reported, but a hospital spokeswoman (Judith Chambers) says that some of the wounded being treated are in serious condition. Multiple victims are undergoing surgery for their wounds.
We also know that at least one instructor is among the wounded.
