In April 2007, 32 people were killed and 25 others wounded in what was called ‘the deadliest shooting incident by a single gunman in U.S. history'. The Virginia Tech massacre was a school shooting that took place on the campus of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and consisted of two separate attacks, approximately two hours apart, that student Seung-Hui Cho led, before committing suicide.
Since then, Virginia Tech has steadily been attempting to regain its reputation, as well as increase respect and decrease fear associated with its name.
Unfortunately, the years of effort and promise that uplifted the institution were all but shattered on Thursday, December 8, 2011, when history repeated itself, in a more mild form.
In a statement posted on the school website, it was reported by a witness that shortly after noon, a Virginia Tech police officer conducted a traffic stop that ended with the officer shot and killed. One other person was killed. Their name and information have not been released, but it is suspected that the body is that of the gunman.
Thursday afternoon, a press conference was held where authorities said that they believe there is no direct connection to the traffic stop and the shooting.
Officials of the school implemented a campus-wide lockdown for students. It was lifted at 4:31 p.m.
Towards the conclusion of the day, authorities urged students and visitors to stay away from campus. The campus was in the midst of a "Reading Period" before final examinations that were to begin on Friday. Exams have been postponed.
Coincidentally, Thursday, campus administrators and authorities were to appeal charges that were filed against the University chastising them on the failure to issue a timely warning and failure to follow its own procedures for providing notification during the 2007 incident.
Howard University students have been continuously expressing their concerns and sending out thoughts and prayers over various social networking sites.
Stephanie Slomer, a junior education major, has articulated her worry for the students, especially with the ending of the semester and winter break approaching.
"It is definitely unfortunate that these students are already stressed with finals beginning, and are excited for Christmas break to start. Whoever did this clearly was acting in a selfish manner, and should be shown no mercy in court, especially regarding the school's history," she says.
Genia Sneed, a Virginia native says that she believed the school was rebuilding itself in a very positive way, attempting to distance itself from its treacherous past, and moving forward.
"I first heard the news on Twitter, but could not believe it. When I saw it on other news outlets I was very shocked, and sad for the school. They will have to start re-establishing themselves again from the bottom after they have come so far," she states.
"I just pray for the victims and their families," she adds.
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article!