    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [April 16, 2007]
    [Page 419]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on the Shootings at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia
    April 16, 2007

        Our Nation is shocked and saddened by the news of the shootings at
    Virginia Tech today. The exact total has not yet been confirmed, but it
    appears that more than 30 people were killed and many more were wounded.
        I've spoken with Governor Tim Kaine and
    Virginia Tech President Charles Steger. I
    told them that Laura and I and many across our
    Nation are praying for the victims and their families and all the
    members of the university community who have been devastated by this
    terrible tragedy. I told them that my administration would do everything
    possible to assist with the investigation, and that I pledged that we
    would stand ready to help local law enforcement and the local community
    in any way we can during this time of sorrow.
        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.
        Today our Nation grieves with those who have lost loved ones at
    Virginia Tech. We hold the victims in our hearts; we lift them up in our
    prayers; and we ask a loving God to comfort those who are suffering
    today.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 4:01 p.m. in the Diplomatic Reception Room
    at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to Charles W. Steger,
    president, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The
    Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    transcript of these remarks. The related proclamation of April 17 is
    listed in Appendix D at the end of this volume.