GOV. TIMOTHY KAINE STATEMENT:

“On April 16, 2007, Virginia Tech University suffered a terrible tragedy.  Today, my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families and the entire Virginia Tech community.

“In the year that has passed since that horrible day, we have grieved for those we lost and prayed for the comfort of their loved ones. We have rejoiced in the recovery of those who were injured. We have been inspired by the unfaltering hope and Hokie spirit of Virginia Tech. And we have renewed our commitment to do even more to learn lessons from that day and to make our campuses and communities safer.

“As I think about the victims' families, I am at a loss for words to express what is in my heart. The courage and strength they have shown in the face of such tremendous, tragic loss is awe-inspiring. We have been inspired by the resilient Hokie spirit of Virginia Tech, both in Blacksburg and around the world. Since that tragic day last April, the unshakeable sense of unity and hope demonstrated by the Hokies has touched the lives of people around the world. Their focus on pulling together to support their school and each other in the days after the shooting, and their commitment to public service through the VT Engage program in the months that followed has moved us all.

“We still have work to do. A continued commitment to improvement is the best tribute we can pay to those who lost so much. And as we move forward, we will continue to be inspired by those in the Hokie Nation.”

ATTORNEY GENERAL ROBERT MCDONNELL STATEMENT:

“One year ago, the quiet routines of an early spring morning were shattered by the news of terror on the Virginia Tech campus. Virginians froze, unable to look away from the tragedy occurring at a great Virginia university. We were not alone.  Collectively, the nation paused, and in the silence and shock that followed this heartbreaking news, we mourned as one.”
“Our prayers for the victims, and their families, continue today. One year later, the memories of the tragedy are never far away. We also reflect on the courage and the community that were evident from the first moments. We saw courage and community in the heroism of students and professors sacrificing themselves for others. We saw courage and community in the brave police officers running into Norris Hall with no regard for their personal safety. We saw courage and community in the condolences and prayers that poured in from across the world.”
“Today, as we pause one year later, our thoughts focus on the precious lives lost on that tragic day, and the families they left behind. They remain with the injured as they recover and their loved ones as they tend to their needs. And they remain with the entire Virginia Tech community.”

“Today, as a united Commonwealth, we resolve to always remember April 16, 2007."

SEN. HILLARY CLINTON (D-NY), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT: