Gun-free is safe, right?

Back in January, some Republican lawmakers in Virginia introduced a bill to allow concealed carry permit holders to carry on college campuses. The bill died in subcommittee.

Virginia Tech spokesman Larry Hincker was happy to hear the bill was defeated. "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."

Today, no one felt safe on campus. A gunman shot his ex-girlfriend, then crossed campus, and shot students in a classroom. At least thirty-two people are dead. Trapped inside the classroom, perhaps the students could have rushed the attacker, but many would still have died.

During college, I visited the campus a couple of weekends for anime events hosted by VTAS. Those campus buildings seen on the news look very familiar.

PajamasMedia and HotAir have many updates and links. And here's a Virginia Tech messageboard.

UPDATE: Over at the Roanoke Times, Bradford B. Wiles, a student at Virginia Tech and a concealed carry permit holder, describes his experience being unable to defend himself.