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WASHINGTON: The worst shooting in US history occurred on Monday on the campus of a university in the state of Virginia.
Virgina Tech University is in the small town of Blacksburg.
Its quiet was shattered by a torrent of shots and its walkways are now stained by blood.
The school's president called it a tragedy of monumental proportions.
Dr Charles Steger, Virginia Tech University President, said: "There were two separate shootings, each with casualties. We are shocked and horrified that this has happened on our campus and our hearts go out to the families of the victims, which include our students."
Police spent the day combing for clues as the announced death toll rose.
First, 22 were confirmed dead, then over thirty.
The number may continue to grow as dozens of wounded were taken to hospital.
The suspected gunman apparently took his own life.
Students, alerted first only by email, were confused, then horrified.
US President George Bush quickly condemned the worst mass killing in US history.
He said: "Schools should be a sanctuary for learning. When that sanctuary has been violated, it is felt in every school and every community in the country. And we ask a loving God to pray for the families of the victims."
US Congressional leaders have also expressed their outrage over the massacre.
The Governor of Virginia has declared a state of emergency following the shooting rampage.
Virginia Tech University will begin picking up the pieces with counselling sessions for students and an investigation of how this was allowed to happen.
Gun control groups say lax US laws make it too easy to get powerful weapons.
- CNA/so
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