Posted on 04/16/2007 1:14:21 PM PDT by an amused spectator
Of course, we have the unforgettable "Famous Last Words" article featuring Larry Hincker of Virginia Tech:
"I'm sure the university community is appreciative of the General Assembly's actions because this will help parents, students, faculty and visitors feel safe on our campus." -
Gun bill gets shot down by panel Tuesday, January 31, 2006
There are also some other fascinating reads in the Roanoke Times from around that time period:
Professors worry about armed students - Bernice L. Hausman Thursday, February 02, 2006
Safer with a six-shooter? August 31, 2006
Unarmed and vulnerable Bradford B. Wiles August 31, 2006
Note also that after the initial shots, many civilians retreived their own weapons and fired upon the tower, keeping the sniper pinned down somewhat. Patched bullet holes from this fire (and that of police) can still be seen today.
Also, Mr. Crum (the civilian) drew the attention of the sniper, which made him turn away from the direction the police were approaching. Although the sniper tried to get his weapon back to shoot at the police, he was unable to do so before being shot. If not for the citizen who bravely accompanied the officers, there might very well have been another police victim—as Officer Martinez came around the corner into the ambush.
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