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Associate Vice President for University Relations Larry Hincker, University President Charles Steger, VA Tech deputy chief Gene Deisinger and Sergeant Bob Carpentieri of the Virginia state police met with local and national media to discuss the shooting of a police officer and another victim on the VA Tech campus today.
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Before the media briefing began, reports came in that the second body, initially believed to be that of another victim, could in fact be the original shooter. Investigators also said that they don't believe the person involved in the traffic stop was the shooter, but that the shooter walked up to his victim from the parking lot entrance.
University officials and police officers answered what questions they could, while edging away from absolute confirmations as reports continue to flood in.
Below, a live blog of the press conference.
4:40 p.m.
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Larry Hincker expresses his sadness at the tragedy. "I am exceedingly sorry and upset that we have to meet again under these circumstances," he tells reporters.
He then confirms that the general campus alert has been lifted, and says he, President Steger, Gene Deisinger and Sgt. Bob Carpentieri are all here to tell reporters whatever information is available. "We're going to tell you as much as we can, and much as we know."
He then turns the mike over to President Charles Steger.
4:43 p.m.
"As you all know today, tragedy again struck Virginia Tech in a wanton act of violence," Steger says. "Words don't describe our feelings, and they're most elusive at this time."
He says: "Our hearts are broken again, for the family of our police officer, and we extend our deepest sympathy and condolences."
4:45 p.m.
Gene Deisinger, deputy chief of Virginia Tech police department, says police received a report saying the suspect had approach the officer while the officer was covering a routine traffic stop for someone else. This contradicts earlier reports that it was the suspect who was initially pulled over.
"Earlier today, the VA Tech community lost one of its guardians," Deisinger says. He also notes that after the first alert, which happened almost immediately after the officer failed to respond to a request for an update, local law enforcement agencies were contacted immediately.
