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Tragedy at Virginia Tech: What people are saying
by Laurie Wang
A young student opens fire in his own dormitory and a classroom on April 16, 2007. Thirty-two people are dead and many injured. The gunman responsible for the shooting rampage at Virginia Tech School has been identified as Cho Seung-Hui, an English major who is described as a ‘loner.’ He is said to have killed himself after the mass shooting.
Confused by the chaos a single troubled student can bring? TheLife.com asked people what their reactions are to the bloody incident in Blacksburg, Virginia.
“It’s such a tragedy and there’s something seriously wrong with how our society functions. I hope that this event causes us to think about what needs to be done so that we can take better care of each other and prevent this from happening again in the future.”
Mischa Strayer, University Student
“Whoa… another shooting? I wasn’t very surprised ‘cause shootings are so common but I feel bad for the families. But things like this happen, with people who isolate themselves—we need to communicate with them more, encourage them more and let them know that there are people out there who care.”
Richard Wang, College Student
“I feel a bit of sorrow. I’m very disappointed that stuff like this keeps happening. I was saddened by the sense that there’s a waste of life.”
Matt Taylor, Construction Worker
“I was shocked… I think it’s unfortunate. Something we never expect and we’re never prepared for.”
Jonathan Chan, Constable
“My initial thought is all this violence is a direct product of our society meaning you know how people talk about these individuals as outcasts? They’re outcasts because someone outcasted them. Especially in a time when people say religion and the gospel is so irrelevant, here’s a case where it’s relevant. If there’s any room to express godly love to one another if there’s any need for forgiveness and supporting one another which is pretty much in the name of Christ, the gospel—if there’s any need for that, it would be now.”
Chanh Kwok, Pastor
What would you say to the families of the victims?
“I think at a time like this and a tragedy like this it’s very difficult to choose those words. I would communicate the grace of God in these circumstances. I’d offer comfort and support that they need at this time.”
Mark Jennings-Bates, Rally Racer
“I wouldn’t say anything and I would just listen, I think they need someone to talk to.”
Andrew Snook, President of HostonFiber.com
“I’d say, I don’t understand how you’re feeling at this time but I’ll be praying for you and thinking of all the families. I hope the media lets you grieve in peace.”
Heather Cole, Registered Nurse
“I’m sorry for what happened to your family but through this we can learn from it and maybe prevent it from happening again. Prevent by getting out of our own clique and reaching out to other people as well. By not doing what other people did.”
Richard Wang, College Student
You can share your thoughts on the blog. Click Here
Related Reading:
Finding Peace in Troubled Times
Tragedy at Virginia Tech
Free Online Studies:
Dealing with Anxiety
Cultivating Peace
Understanding Pain and Disaster
~Laurie Wang graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.A. in English. She's also a journalist who loves meeting new people. She and the rest of team at TruthMedia are praying for the families and those affected by the tragedy at Virigina Tech.