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Shootings in a dormitory and academic hall at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Va., on April 16 left 33 people dead, including the gunman who took his own life.

Read comments from students and teachers on the incident:

Monica, age 13 of Hawthorne, Calif., writes:

"I personally think that guns shouldn't be banned. Because it wasn't the gun that killed the people, it was Seung-Hui Cho. I also think that the principals and staff at the school should have warned everybody to get out of school instead of sending them an e-mail message." (4/24/07)

Alex, age 13 of Lennox, Calif., writes:

"Why do we even have guns? Guns turn people into killing machines. No one can stop someone with a gun in mind to kill 32 people, but we can prevent it: Say no to guns!" (4/24/07)

Jan W., a teacher from Storrs, Conn., writes:

"I have so much respect for those teachers who did their best to protect those students in their classes. They are great heroes and should command the admiration of their fellow teachers, students around the globe and parents everywhere." (4/22/07)

Jan T., a teacher from Berkeley, Calif., writes:

"This young man needed help from the people who mattered to him, including better communication with classmates. Instead of policies for increased police surveillance, I hope schools come up with better community building." (4/20/07)

Sasha J., age 14 of San Ramon, Calif., writes:

"I can't begin to imagine how horrible this is for the students of Virginia Tech, but at the same time, I can't begin to believe how quickly this is becoming a point for the gun law debate. The laws can wait. For now, at least give people a chance to gather their bearings and heal." (4/19/07)

Susanna, a teacher from Elko, Nev., writes:

"We've left too much up to both our law enforcement officials and our military and then we blame them when they lack the power of prescience. Responsible adults need to train themselves to recognize and effectively respond to perilous circumstances and we need to pass those lessons on to our young as well. This becomes an increasingly urgent necessity as the world becomes more chaotic." (4/19/07)

Sylvia., age 21 of Terrell, Texas, writes:

"When you look at the American dollar bills you see 'In God We Trust' but the question really is have we been doing just that? I strongly believe if we put prayer back in the schools it will improve." (4/19/07)

Stephen H., a student from Alexandria, Va., writes:

"While what happened at Virginia Tech was terrible and tragic, the story should not be used as the center point for the pro-gun law debate. Guns do not kill people. Seung-Hui Cho is a killer. Saying that guns kill people is saying pencils must misspell words. Banning semiautomatic pistols and rifles because they are an unneeded, useless and deadly commodity would be the equivalent of banning fast cars. Instead of limiting the consumer's choices because we fear the worst, we should better inform and education them. I hope the American people and politicians can come to a logical realization and stop blaming freedom for tragedies. Our government should trust the public to make simple decisions, not fear them." (4/19/07)

Robert A., Frederick, Md., writes:

"Amidst the rumbling thunder,
sapling youth, seasoned oak,
all fall in final obsequies;
A Virginia lush, hemlock bred,
a Socrates bids a final adieu
Life, hold your secret
I trust not my instinct to know;
A mother: sighs
A son: still
The grave: giggling
Life, a bang, a shudder, a thud
The tomb holds its prey, fists clenched
smug her face adorned
How, how, idyllic Blacksburg?
Green all around, beauty's own salon
How, how, how,
hell consorts with paradise
And the heavens say not a word?
Perhaps, an Einstein, an Euclid
just a seed, not yet a fruit, sure not a forest; Gone!!
Life; thy mystery, thy secret, thy jinx!!!" (4/19/07)

"Topperkins," Indianapolis, writes:

"Couldn't the university afford a 2-dollar door stop? Too much cost? B.S.! Get the local high schools' wood shops to make door stops for free. Three under a door and it won't budge. Yes, hindsight is 20/20, but what about foresight? They're supposed to be so darn smart, these teachers, yet the young died in their care." (4/19/07)

Willard R., a teacher from Bridgeport, Conn., writes:

"I hope that young minds are not inured to pain and suffering of others." (4/19/07)

Joel B., Halifax, Nova Scotia, writes:

"Can the Virginia Tech community and society in the whole, advanced Western world examine themselves critically, in order to analyze the genesis of Seung-Hui Cho's breakdown, and his descent into murderous madness? Part of the background of this terrible tragedy are effects of social isolation in the culture of cliques, elitism and snobbery, which flourish on campuses and in organizational settings." (4/19/07)

Alana, age 14 of Charlotte, N.C., writes:

"I hate what has happened. But all schools need to have an up-to-date security system so no students or teachers get hurt." (4/18/07)

Amy C., age 23 of Albuquerque, N.M., writes:

"I am a student and living in the dorm and it's very scary to hear something like that might happen. I think they should have better security on all campuses and have cameras on every building." (4/18/07)

Ginger B., a teacher from Charlotte, N.C., writes:

"We require people to take a test to drive a car, can't we at least put up a few barriers to this kind of senseless killing? I'm sure Thomas Jefferson is rolling over in his grave." (4/18/07)

Courtney, age 16 of Michigan, writes:

"I do agree with gun control in some ways and in some ways I don't. I agree when people like him go around and kill innocent people who don't deserve to die and we suffer the loss and pain to follow. I don't, because you may live in a bad place and need it to protect yourself, not intending to shoot anyone. But guns are given to anyone and I don't agree with that because you could be selling a gun to a complete lunatic." (4/18/07)

Bob B., Reno, Nev., writes:

"Another tragedy and needless suffering. Too many have no idea of the effective ways to deal with anger. The dalai lama's method of transforming anger should be offered in every school. The mental health system offers little but drugs, violence and blame. Please let this tragedy be the beginning for transforming the mental health system." (4/17/07)

Patricia D., Canberra, Australia, writes:

"Our news here is filled with questions as to whether, in the wake of yet another hideous shooting spree, anyone in the United States is talking about gun control. As always, the answer is no. I and my friends and colleagues were absolutely astonished that President Bush's initial comments said he was horrified and then went on to say he supports the right to bear arms. When Martin Bryant went berserk in Tasmania 10 years ago and killed close to 40 people and wounded another 30 odd, the immediate reaction was not only tougher gun laws but a voluntary turning in of semiautomatic weapons. Yet there, you've got a 23-year-old student with an arsenal in his dorm room and no one seems to think there's a problem. The Virginia gun laws are an absolute joke." (4/17/07)

Mike J., Clyde, Mich., writes:

"Ironic, don't you think? The next story you reported on Tuesday's broadcast was the mayor of a Japanese city who was assassinated while campaigning for re-election. Japan has some of the strictest gun laws in the world; they didn't stop, nor can they stop a determined killer. Common steel, a little knowledge and a moderately equipped machine shop are all that's needed to make a rudimentary firearm, zip gun, etc. We should examine other options before passing more laws." (4/17/07)

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