Jim Webb: “as we approach the anniversary of the Virginia Tech tragedy, I am introducing legislation to implement one of the key…”

“as we approach the anniversary of the Virginia Tech tragedy, I am introducing legislation to implement one of the key recommendations from the Virginia Tech Review Panel that was formed by Gov. Tim Kaine to examine some of the issues that arose following the shooting. It is exactly 1 year this week when a disturbed young man took the lives of 32 students and faculty and wounded several others on the campus of Virginia Tech. I commend the Virginia Tech community for pulling through such a difficult time and for the tremendous amount of courage they displayed. I also wish to extend my continuing sympathy to the families of the students and faculty who were directly impacted by these shootings. On April 19, 2007, 3 days after the Virginia Tech shooting, Governor Kaine announced the formation of the Virginia Tech Review Panel to perform a review of the events of April 16. This panel included individuals with the expertise and autonomy necessary to conduct a comprehensive review. These nationally recognized individuals brought expertise in many areas, including law enforcement, security, governmental management, mental health, emergency care, victims' services, the Virginia court system, and higher education. The genesis for the legislation I am introducing is the report prepared by this panel and released to the public in August 2007.”