UPDATE: Virginia Tech Gunman Not Believed to Be a Student [VIDEO]
In a frightening reminder the 2007 massacre on Virginia Tech’s campus that left more than 30 people dead, a gunman shot and killed a police officer at the university on Thursday before apparently turning the gun on himself.
The incident began when officer Deriek W. Crouse, 39, was shot at close range by a man who ambushed him on foot after he made a traffic stop in a university parking lot. A second man whom police believe to be the shooter was later found dead with a gun nearby.
The university does not believe the shooter was a student at the school. Further information about his identity has not been revealed.
In the meantime, the university quickly went on lockdown for hours, with campus alerts sent by text, email, and the university’s Twitter page and website until police gave the all-clear.
“In light of the turmoil and trauma and the tragedy suffered by this campus by guns, I can only say words don’t describe our feelings and they’re elusive at this point in time,” university president Charles Steger said. “Our hearts are broken again for the family of our police officer.”
A vigil for Thursday’s events took place on campus, with a second memorial slated for Friday evening.