Office of Senator Webb: STATEMENT ON ANNIVERSARY OF VIRGINIA TECH TRAGEDY

FROM THE OFFICE OF SENATOR WEBB

April 16, 2008

Contact:  Jessica Smith, 202-228-5185
Kimberly Hunter, 202-228-5258


Washington, DC – Senator Jim Webb issued the following statement on the first anniversary of the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech:

  “A year ago today, a great tragedy shook the campus of Virginia Tech. I want to take a moment to commend the strength of the parents, spouses, family members and friends of those 32 students and faculty who were taken from us at that time. I would also like to express my continuing admiration for the Blacksburg community and the students of Virginia Tech, who have shown grace, humanity and resilience in the wake of such tragedy.

  “This terrible tragedy underscores the need to ensure early access to counseling programs and the treatment of mental illness.  It also calls attention to the need to review and correct federal guidelines so that school officials, administrators and law enforcement can work in tandem to effectively ensure the safety of our students while upholding their privacy.

  “I have introduced legislation with Senator Warner to that effect, and it is my hope that it will soon pass the Congress.

  “I join Governor Kaine in calling for a moment of silence at noon to honor the memory of those lost and the many lives they touched.”

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