As much as people wish that this could be the turn around for gun crimes, and infact might 'open' ones eyes, it will infact take backwards steps in what we wishfully think would be forward steps into solving the problem. Something like this is surely going to help the American nation stock up on their fire arms? for security? and what is this about arming students.

Guns are part of America's culture and revolts from this although would be seen from our point of view in England as positive, regardless of what has happened would not be accepted well by America. Stirring more unrest might add more revolts and although a massacre is unlikely to re occur from such events, life is unsure and to stirr those we know nothing of could be a terrible mistake.

I hate to be so dramatic, but the terrible unrest this has given me has come to no end.

Niki, Brighton, Sussex

Here we are again?! It doesn't seem to sink in that guns are bad, this is a very obvious statement and one that prettymuch every comment here agrees with. Why does the law allow Americans to keep a 'tool' which is designed to kill if there is another law making it illegal to kill people. I understand that guns may be neccessary on farms or for park rangers but how far can they stretch these exceptions? First police then security guards, whats next will teachers in classrooms be given flashbangs to shut children up in class. If you tighten your law enforement it only forces determined criminals to go further to achieve their goals thus endangering people even more than the damage of the original crime they commited.

At the end of the day we can rant and rave, quote statistics and find fault with an obvious problem till we're blue in the face, but what we really need is for america to open it's eyes and realise that England isn't going to come and invade you so drop the guns!

Robert Franklin, Sheffield, UK

Just about anything can be made into a weapon if one is so minded including words. Gun control is not the answer to preventing these happenings. Being able and willing to look beyond our small egos and live in peace as individuals, as families, as nations and a planet, as well as, caring for everything as if it is the greatest gift would be a start. Sickness of heart or mind would not exist if love were more available. When did we exchange living from a heart of love for the 'freedoms' of having weapons or living in such unhappiness that we think using them is the only answer? Could it be that we humans will never learn the real lesson of our existence? This is not a single incident with confined repercussions, it is a continuation of all inhumane actions with world repercussions at every level. My sincere condolences to the latest victims of a serious decline in humanities inhumanity.

Suzanne Sjogren, Elroy, USA

Gun control by itself is not the solution. There are similar per-capita levels of gun ownership in other 1st world countries outside the US. The reason why upwards of ten thousand Americans are shot to death each year (almost 100% by other Americans) is a purely United states malaise. There is something within the national psyche that permits this to happen and this is what needs to be adressed.

In short, I don't believe that there are any easy answers, particularly where self-analysis is involved. But when you figure that somewhere like half a million United states citizens have been shot to death by other United states residents since 1950, the answers have got to be worth finding.

That particular task can only be done by the United States populace. Good luck to them, I hope they can do it.

Dan, Hampton , UK

" Most often of the time it is perpetuated by the black influence in the country. In cities like New Orleans, and Houston, where there are a great number of blacks, they ruthlessly rule certain portions of cities holding honest citizens hostage from their native homes."
How can I begin to address this, Rainn from Dusseldorf? I suppose I should begin by asking -- do you think those naughty, dishonest black overlords are less "native" to these places then these alleged "honest hostages"? (And how the heck are we being blamed for THIS one, now? I guess it's a reflex?)

C Lofters, New York, NY

I have heard the statistic that there are more guns pers person in Canada than America, but only a fraction of the gun-crime. Our own experience in the UK has demonstrated that banning guns does not decrease the amount of gun crime - if anything it has got worse since Dumblane.

The problem in America is the culture, not the availability of guns.

Edd, Birmingham, UK

its sad to hear such a tale from the land of freedom where all men run to for safety.equally damnifying is the pointless sexification of global forums by americans which undoubtedly deprive the average american connected persons of the common but essential ability to appreciate the finer .higher things of life like morality,like peace in the soul.when a nation founded on God drove God out of his classrooms, the devil must fill the vacum and thats why i still wont know the joy many derived from living and aspiring to live in a land where all things are not only lawful but also expedient including running amock because of lust styled by americans as love.i pity nigerians who ran away with their precious kids to america. americans should accept the event as a clarion call to morally regenerate the american mind and spirit.my heart nevertheless mourns with the families of the affected.




a lawyer based in lagos

SEGUN OJEMUYIWA, lagos, nigeria

Last time I checked, the US Constitution does not allow for the right of citizens to possess bombs but guess what, Timothy McVeigh, Ted Kacynski (Unibomber)and Eric Rudolph, William Morales(F.A.L.N) oh ,and lest I forget,the Weather Underground, managed to get hold of them and use them with terrible consequences on numerous occasions. For those of you in the UK and even in the US who think passing a law outlawing the possession of handguns will solve the problem, you are being naive, disingenuous or just plain simple minded. Since the the UK has banned private possession of handguns, while it may have had a low of 46 homicides in 2006(the exceptional decline since 2002), shootings and assaults by handguns are on the rise in London and a few other of the big cities in Great Britain, it is only a matter of time before those homicides tick up; don't be lulled by the phony sense of security a ban on handguns allegedly provides.

Bill, Brooklyn, N.Y.

the saying goes - if you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have the guns.This has been proved in the uk after Dunblane. All handguns were banned and now there are more handguns in the UK now, all illegal, than there were before Dunblane legal plus illegal.

and has the killing stopped in the UK? No.

becareful what you wish for.

Ann, Redaing, UK

Frankly, I really don't know how much more blood has to be shed before gun control law are seriously implemented in the US? All for its freedom and democracy, it's so ironic that life is not valued enough there to outlaw guns! Seriously, it's like letting a child play with matches and not taking it away while he/she is lighting it.

I'm truly saddened and feel the sense of loss very deeply. My deepest condolences to the victims and their families. May God's grace and strength be with them all.

Olivia Joseph, Singapore,

How about this:

Don't get rid of the 2nd amendment, but make owning a gun very very expensive and make sure people have to get through lots of red tape to get it. That way, people don't lose their "freedom to bear arms" but you'll get less guns anyway.

starling, Lancaster,

Some people have said the British can't preach as we've had Dunblane and Hungerford - crazy men shooting down innocent men, women and children.

However, our government had the good sense to bring in and enforce gun laws to the point that our Olympic shooting team has to practise outside of the UK.

If you are caught in possession of a gun in the UK you go to jail - full stop.

Ian , Brighton, UK

I feel that people are using this horrible event to debate gun laws or US bashing. No matter which side of the gun debate you're on, isn't it obvious that anyone capable of and intent on killing 32 innocent fellow human beings will do so regardless of law. Homicidal maniacs can always be counted on to violate the boundaries set forth by others who want to promote a civil, peaceful society

Lynn, South Ockendon, UK

Until some serious gun control legistation is enacted, this type of tragedy will continue. My heart bleeds for the victims and their families.

Kim Righetti, Upland, Calif. USA

It's natural to want to place blame when there is a senseless tragedy, especially when the monster who perpetrated it takes his own life. The US media seems set on blaming the school administration. Many here blame lax gun laws. The sad reality: if a person wants to slaughter innocents and is willing to die in the process, there isn't much you can do to stop them. If not a gun,he'll use suicide bombs, which we've seen all over the world, or some other method of violence. I'm surprised the many non-Americans very quick to criticize the US here don't understand that. As for gun laws: America has a deep tradition of individualism and the right to self-defense. For instance, I know someone who is only alive today because he had a gun to defend himself against armed robbers. This won't change anytime soon as its in our Constitution. It doesn't affect most people's daily lives - it's not as if we all live in constant fear of being shot. As I said, crises inspire extreme reactions.

TVP, Arlington, Virginia, USA

why is it than whenever something of this nature happens within the usa, they always look for somewhere other than home to lay the blame. surely it is ready availability of guns to the masses that are responsible for this situation, or would some enlightened citizen like to tell me how this 'foreign student' managed to get his hands on so much ammunition. you may blame who you wish and look to god for your answer, but i dont think god owned a gun.

b, london, england

I disagree with that person's assertion that if the professor's were packing heat, this crisis would have been averted. If it wasn't so bloody easy to get guns here in the US, this would not have had to happen. Our government needs to ban all guns, but hey, I have been screaming that for years. We would see a sharp decrease in violent crimes committed here. This event does sadden me, but angers me that our government would rather pander to the Gun Lobbyists and take their money than to protect its citizens!

Rachel Atkinson, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA

I agree with Mr. Lennan of La Rochelle, France. This tradgedy must be blamed on the evil American Culture. If only we Americans lauded the unsuccessful, poor, ugly unpopular people, like they do in France, then there never would be outbreaks of senseless violence. Still, somehow George Bush must be ultimately responsible. After all, if it weren't for Bush, then there would be no wars, no suicide bombers, no Islamic Jihadists, no riots and burning of thousands of cars in France, and of course no global warming. And thank God (opps, not supposed to say God), that no one is using this horrific tradgedy to make political statements.

A. Wilkin, Orlando, Florida

Jack, Lawrence, KS.

That is exactly the point! Why is it that for all the 1.3 billions Chinese people in the World, the very FIRST Chinese person to go on such a murderous rampage followed by suicide did so in the US?
We can all admit that this person was without a doubt a very disturbed individual who was not a "career criminal" (drug dealers, gang members, etc), and would probably have trouble obtaining such large ammunition from the black market. Could it be that the ease at which he obtained them played a part in his carrying it through?

I have no doubt that there are people as disturbed as this person in China, however, they cannot buy guns in their local corner shop.

Pete, Cov,

If some of the students had conceiled weapons permits, this would have been curbed. The campuses could train a sub-police group of actual students very thoroughly and blunt this type of event (no authority except in extreme crisis such as this). In addition, students knowing that a significant group of students were carrying guns to class would be less likely to attempt such a massacre.

Kevin M, Richmond, USA / VA

Forgetting the gun control aspects for a moment and duly according our sympathy to all those affected by the horrible actions yesterday, let's remember the fact that some of the victims exhibited amazing bravery. There is one story of the VT college professor who steadfastly kept the classroom door shut while his kids escaped through the window while the murderer was shooting through the door and eventually shot him dead. In the midst of the horror let's also remember the brighter side of the human character.

Martin, Derby, UK & NJ USA, USA

Have many things to say on the comments posted here but don't want to get in an argument with anyone and believe me I would, so I would just like to point out as some of the comments I've read here could be seen as racist that the gunman was probably Korean and not Chinese and what does that matter -- as I doubt race has anything to do with the whys and wherefors of this tragic event.

Sometimes horrible sensless things happen and we will never understand why, best to just accept this horrid reality and learn from it -- endless rowing will never solve anything, and as much as I hate to say it, I don't think American gun laws will change as it is written into the constitution so can people stop being so venomnous to each other over the subject.

Sorry if anyone ACTUALLY AFFECTED by this tragedy personally is reading this, I hope you have the love and support you need at such a time.

tired, Fareham, UK

To merck in decatur: The gunman had legally bought the guns and the police have the receipts. As a resident alien with no felony background, he was fully entitled to buy one. The notion that primarily illegal firearms kill people in this country is patently false.

Kristin, Seattle, WA

Steven Rowley what you say is only partially correct. Yes Switzerland has a high percentage ownership of guns but to say theyre is neglibible gun crime if any is erroneous. Switzerland actually has the SECOND HIGHEST incident of gun related fatality in the industrial world after America. It is though, someway behind America (1.42 muders per 100,000 instead of 5.28 for America (from 1991)) but this is because they do have extremly strict gun laws i.e. they don't hand them out in MacDonalds Happy meals so Switzerland makes a better argument for gun regulation than gun liberalization.

And no not everybody in switzerland carries a gun, it's less than 20% of the pollution whereas in America it's well over 30%

Adam, Belfast, Northern Ireland

I am a farmer's son, I was bought up with guns. On a 5000 acre farm in Australia, guns are an essential tool. We had shotguns and rifles. They were used as tools, to shoot feral foxes and rabbits and were locked up when not needed. I live in a town now in my middle age, and I am a Doctor, not a farmer, I certainly don't need a gun, and I can't understand why any urban citizen would need to keep a gun in his home. People who like hunting or target shooting could keep their guns in controlled armories. As for a pistol, the weapon I gather was used in this outrage, there is no justification for owning one as they are useful only for killing people and only at very short range. The owning and the manufacture of pistols should be and can be banned. If law enforcement officers, farmers or park rangers need weapons then those weapons should be strictly controlled and accounted for. This bloke might have killed his girlfriend anyway, but if guns were'nt easy to get that would have ended it.

Tim Rankin, Bowral, NSW, Australia

Any Americans who want to abandon their right to the 2nd Amendment, go ahead cross that line out and OBEY the government at the expense of your civil liberties.

To all those from the UK, remeber we developed this attitude and the 2nd amendment because you abused the power of government.

Maybe we should tighten our immigration policies instead.

William, Salt Lake City, Utah

Christine Ter Meulen is so right. The state takes weapons away from citizens with the promise that the state and only the state will punish crime. Then the first thing they do is fail on that promise. Just read the news every day. The gods forbid that we fall into the hands of a state who's obsession becomes not pushing criminals but keeping the guns from private citizens and punishing THEM when they "take the law into their own hands."

Eugene, Heidelberg, germany

A madman armed with an ice cream cone is harmless. But the whole iconography of the gun, the appeal to especially dim and emotionally stunted men, you know, the ease of killing, the money, the industry, it's just superficial and silly to hive off responsibility and say well the guns killed no one, X did. Mmm...no, X shot 32 people dead using guns, minus the guns he could have fumed, hurt, beaten up someone, but not killed dozens. Is this hard to follow?

David, Leicester,

This was terribly tragic and completely avoidable. I wish there were some way to comfort those who've lost loved ones.

I don't know that changing gun laws would change much, unfortunately. I had a wonderful antique gun that was a family heirloom (rendered incapable of shooting) that I kept it in a safe; the safe was stolen, and my only consolation is that no one can use the gun for its original purpose. My point is that, as long as guns exist, people who want them will get their hands on them.

I live just outside of Manhattan and lived through the horror that was 9/11. As a U.S. citizen I'm sickened and ashamed by the image my country has throughout the world, and I do my best to change things by voting responsibly and supporting only those candidates who aren't interested in taking over any country that seems a likely target. I'm just afraid that this action by an immigrant will provoke more xenophobic feelings and close the minds in this country even further. Heaven help us.

Tracy, Morristown, New Jersey, U.S.

I have read this with great interest. It is startling to read how little is understood by people both in the US and in other countries about the US Constitution, how laws are made, etc. In the first place it is not legally possible for the federal government is regulate firearms. That was established by the Supreme Court when it threw out federal legislation that attempted to do that. The US Congress has very specific powers and that isn't one of them. In the second place, in those areas where local jurisdictions have banned firearms, the crime rate actually rose. Washington DC has laws banning them and has the highest murder rate in the country. I grew up in a part of the country where every home had at least one firearm. If a boy didn't get a .22 on his 12th birthday there was something wrong with him or the family. Even my grandmother had a .38. And you learned weapon safety and in all my youth & early adult life the only death I ever knew of was from a hunting accident.

Janet from Tucson, Tucson, AZ

This is a tragedy , utterly heartbreaking for those families and no doubt for those who now reflect on their decisions over the incident
i never normally respond to postings, though read them
what i find unusual and i'm only guessing here, is i suspect all of these people, you, are posting on every paper that allows it, Why?
use your time constructively instead of venting opinion after opinion, defence after defence on what is a totally undefensable act, he murdered all these people, yes murdered them, their families will never ever be the same again, if he never had a gun, could he have done that,all the people there will never be the same again around there ever, we might have no real control over our goverments going to war (though we would like it) but we can try to stop out and out massacres of this nature, ere you not a human too with a will to change this world

Lilly, Glasgow, Uk

What would the politicians say and do?

trans, dalian,

Bodies haven't even been identified and "good" people like Phil in HK are ripping the US. Beautiful. Hong Kong's suicide rate accoring to WHO is about equal to US for men, and is more than double that for women. Doesn't sound like you live in a perfect place either, Phil.

Any of you US bashers ever been the victim of a violent crime? Both my wife and I were robbed and beaten sensless, yes, in the US. All the bad guys got away and are no doubt still on the prowl. Too bad I wasn't carrying a handgun. Oh, but I couldn't, guns are illegal in Washington DC so I had to leave mine at home that night.

Remember folks, it's impossible to stop sick people who want to die from killing others. Think knuckleheads flying airplanes into buildings.

Tony, Silver Spring, MD

The gun control issue over here is a tricky one. I live in Wyoming where people use guns for sport and have lived other places where guns are used for subsistence living. Its unfortunate we can't find a compromise for responsible ownership of firearms and protecting others from those who use them as weapons.

It may take a couple more tradgedies for people to see how easy it is for irresposible or unbalanced people to get ahold of guns. Strict gun control, in a country where most people use them responsible, may just put guns in the hands of people who use them carelessly. Bad people will do bad things and there aren't enough laws in the book to prevent that from happening, in the US or any other country.

Prayers or compassionate thoughts should be said for the killer and innocent victims. Justice will follow. If we have something important to say we should voice our concerns to the people in power who may be able to conceive of a solution to help this happen less often.

Nurieh, Casper, USA, Wyoming

what gun control means is admitting people are not in control of themselves, and can't be trusted with guns. at turn of the centruy, not uncommon to see boy scouts on a bus with their rifles coming home from target practice, no-one blinked, many people had guns,(more agrarian)much lower homicide rate then. trouble is not guns, it's what society is becoming. selfish, hedonistic, valueless.

so, with a more childlike populace, maybe it's reasonable to take away responsibilities which people cannot live up to...and if history holds any lessons, fear not, couch potato nation, those with the levers of power are more than capable of feeding you enough reality pablum on tv, and enough escapist toys to keep you satisfied while your freedoms quietly evaporate, and your moral compass and spiritual antenna are so atrophied that you will never know the difference. What is needed is a spiritual awakening, and a knowledge of the predominance and superiority of the spiritual virtues, ie love...

athan, scribner,

It seems truly absurd that any citizen would have need for a semi-automatic weapon of any sort. The conversation about restriction should start there - at the absurd level and work on down. I now live in Portland, Oregon - my husband's aunt killed herself with a gun two months ago. She went out one Monday morning and bought a "ladies" pistol and that night shot herself in the head. Does it make sense that one can get a gun that quickly? The right to bear arms is more than outdated - it is outdone.
Dual citizen, US-UK

J Ridley, Portland, USA - OR

I embrace the 2nd amendment! The guns used in this massacre had the serial numbers scratched off, which means more than likely they were stolen from a person who was following the law, and used by a person breaking the law. Do I think having a gun on the hip of all those students would have stopped this senseless crime? No...but if someone were to put me or my family at the end of his barrell, I wouldn't be throwing a gun control bill at him to make him stop.

Many of you may use this forum to criticize the US, and that's fine, because I respect your right to criticize or hold any opinion you want (First amendment you know), but I will say that many of the US's problems could be solved by not going to the aid of every country with a civil war and turning their attention's inward. It seems in the international community, the US can not win. If we attempt to help, we are bullies, if we don't then we are bullies for not helping. Where do you draw the line?

Carol, Florence, SC, USA

This is a horrific tragedy occuring admist our ridiculous lack of gun control. Still, this hardly seems the time for the rest of the world to be casting stones. Absolutely we need better gun control but that alone will not prevent such occurences and sadly, we are not alone:

September 27, 2001 - 14 killed, 10 wounded Zug, Switzerland

April 26, 2002 - 18 killed, 4 wounded Erfurt, Germany

April 28, 1996 - 35 killed, 37 wounded Australia

March 13, 1996 - 17 killed Dunblane, Scotland

Shawna Benedict, Boise, Idaho, USA

So sick of foreigners trying to cull political cheap shots out of tragedies. To all the other Americans on this post: nobody gives a crap about us in any real way. The rest of the world LIVES for taking cheap shots at us for anything and everything. We should have stayed on our continent during WWII and done nothing during the cold war - we received nothing but disdain despite our sacrifices. I was born in Europe and so glad I can be called an American - from reading these posts and talking to people abroad I can only come to the conclusion that most of the world is delusional and laughably ignorant when it comes to all things American. I would suggest living in this country should be a prerequisite before making simplistic overly broad criticisms.

the3rdMan, Manhattan,

This is once again a very sad situation to be faced with a madman on the loose with a Gun , whats the answer it is probably beyond us all . but I know this in Switzerland all the soldiers in there Army take there weapons home its a right apparently there has probably been the odd sad occasion but you dont here regurlarly of mass murder in downtown Zurich . but in America it is almost a stream of constant of sadness coming out of the country concerning this type of awful outrage .

It must be a society thing it really must be its no good saying hoe awful it is isnt it , and then not oding anything about it

Tom Hammond, Bournemouth , uk

Ok, a little balance here. Firstly the term 'Americans love guns' is about as accurate as 'Britains all love cricket' - it is a stereotype. I have come to Virginia from UK and majority of people I know do not own guns in fact, I only know one and they live in the middle of knowehere and have bears regulalry poking around the garden!!

Secondly, non-americans cannot carry a gun in America so this guy must have got it illegally.

Simon, Washington DC, United States

I agree that the law in U.S. could suffer some changes.However, it is not the time to blame anyone, it is the time to think about the dead ones. America is not responsable for the death of those persons, the killer is.And it doesn`t make any difference where the killer is from, cause he`s the one to judge, not the country he is from, or the country he was in.Things like this happen anywhere or anytime.

julie, Sibiu, Roumania

I wrote my last message before reading ALL the entries. I'm really interested to read from the US correspondants who would like to see gun control tightened (someone noted that you are all viewed as gun tot'en maniacs by the rest of the world - it's nice to see that isn't always the case) but I feel a stronger reaction to those of you who think the gun laws are too strict. There appears to be a simple equation that goes something like this: The more guns a community has on it's streets, the higher the death rate from gun crime in that community. It's not very complicated.
..I should have also added that my deepest sympathies are with the families of those killed.

Iain, Norwich,

This is a horrible, horrible, tragedy. Out of respect for those that have died because of this, i don't think that it is right to turn this into and use it on a political scale. This is something akin to Columbine, the Oklahoma City Bombings, and 9/11. It is not a time to turn this one event into a generalization applied to an entire nation. One person did this. How many people live in the United States? A fair few to say the least. Not to be a prideful, arrogant american, but don't just flat out say "well look at this, more proof the untied states is a violent, blinded, and hypocritical nation!" No. Not true. Violence reigns in every single country in this world. Many countries have horrific pasts, where their own government has singlehandedly killed hundreds to millions of people. So take a step away from the cynical, political world view, and realize that these are people. Think of 33 of your friends, dead. So please, don't turn another tradgey into a political debate.

Laura, Tulsa, OK, USA

The sad fact: until we Americans demand stricter gun control, this story will replay again and again. As for those out there who say it's in the Constitution: darn right. But let's remember our forefathers lived without organized law enforcement. Gun death statistics tell the entire story, like it or not.

Violence in the US trickles down from the top. We are desensitized to it, really, and why should it be any different? It shouldn't be surprising that the world's mightiest military can go hand in hand with a gun culture.

janyce, New Haven, US

To all you non-Americans making accusatory comments, stop acting like changing the gun laws are as easy as tying your shoes. If you knew anything about the US you would know we have a constitution in place. You think it so easy to just wake up one day, have a meeting and *POOF* laws are changed. As stated we have a constitution in place that takes in effect first off which makes many gun organizations/manufacturers immune to such laws because they can always go back to the 2nd Amendment in court. Second of all, if a mad man wants to commit a crime with a gun, it doesnt matter how many laws you have in place, for this person can always buy one on the street, because in this country money talks. But its nice to see this anti-America bashing again especially during a tragedy, you all have some nerve.

Chris, Tampa, USA

What a tragedy, all those young people in a blink of an eye gone from the face of the earth, and what about the poor families left behind. It's something they will never recover from.

Elaine Witcomb. London. U.K.

Elaine Witcomb, London., England

I'm With Nigel from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, BAN all Non-hunting weapons NOW, but I want to go as far as just ban all guns!

Rachel Atkinson, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA

The only guns that can have any kind of legitimacy in their availability to citizens are bolt action hunting rifles and one or two shot shotguns. Here are the usual dumb NRA type arguments and why those arguments don't work:
1. Guns don't kill people. People kill people. That can be said of every object used to kill someone but with most guns there is one critical difference - all hand guns and non-hunting weapons are designed with one purpose - killing people.
2. We need them to protect ourselves - the number of gun crimes prevented (and not exaccerbated) by citizens having firearms is absolutely minimal. Your Police do the protecting and you know it.
3. We need the right to bear arms to protect ourselves against abusive government - Well if ANY American thinks that then maybe democracy doesn't work and you might want to stop trying to spread it around the world (yes, I am being sarcastic).
GET A GRIP AMERICA - BAN ALL NON-HUNTING WEAPONS NOW.

Nigel, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK

I'm very shocked for the massacre in USA yesterday.
It's very incredible than only one man killed 32 people in two hours, and nothing can't do anybody.
All victims are inocent people and the law must be severe for avoid futures carnages like this one.

marcos, Asuncion,

Hey, James Lander from London - thanks for being so supportive of us in a time like this. A FOREIGNER killed 31 people on a college campus and you can do nothing but condemn us and our society and somehow, bring our President into this. Very nice! And by the way - I voted for Bush twice!

Danielle, Ohio, USA

So much for 'democracy' and allowing guns in a free and demoractic country. How many more innocent people have to die before the outlaw of guns are seriously considered? How much more blood must be shed in order to allow 'freedom' of everything, including guns? I totally agree with Charlie Thomson.

Olivia Joseph, Singapore,

There is an old adage, "if you ban guns, only criminals will have guns". Think of it had one or two of the professors or student had been "packing heat", the crisis might have been ended more quickly.

I'm still waiting for my anti-gun neighbors to put signs in their front gardens stating this is a gun-free household, that will keep the criminals away.

I'm just glad I wasn't in DC yesterday and between Little Chuckie Schumer and a camera.

Rok, Carlisle, PA

I was watching the news after I picked my daughter (7 yrs. old) up from school and I had no idea how to explain this to her. How do you explain something like that to a child?

I know that a great deal of people think Americans are gun wielding folks. We can all talk at length about what led up to yesterday. Easy access to guns, the right to bear arms, society deteriorating, more violent video games being sold to our children, and more can be discussed. However the simple fact is that it will not bring the victims back. My thoughts and prayers go out to to all affected by this. When you hear news about this it really makes you question alot of things going on in scciety.

Michael Patrick, Buffalo, NY, USA

It's not guns that kill people it's... Oh no hang on, it's guns.

Allan Thompson, London, UK

People seem to be blaming the Police and the Campus authorities but the blame lies with the Asian gunman. The media are also looking for a scapegoat instead of laying the blame with the perpetrator.
I hope the Chinese Govt. aplogises and compensates the victims. Just imagine if an American college kid opened fire and killed Chinese students in China - all hell would break loose.
This sadistic Asian kid shot his victims in the face at close range and most of the victims are black and white - this is a racially motivated attack and should be seen that way but instead some left wing fruitcakes will paint this Chinese lunatic as the victim.

Nicholas Folkes, Sydney, Australia

I feel this tragedy highlights the global feeling of horror at the sight of innocent people's lives being taken without thought or reason. The impact of this feeling is felt around the globe, perhaps at times like these we need to realise how similar we all are as human beings and how important our family is. It is up to all people all round the globe to respect human life, gun laws are easy to point fingers at but in the end people pull the trigger, why?

Justin, Johannesburg, South Africa

"In the interests of the economy", the common rhetoric of our own chancellor who keenly follows the same pricipals that causes gun manufacturers in the US to dictate policy. people of the world need to wake up and get the US senate out or at least re-confirm their loyality to their citizens. Americans must lead in this battle over corporate dominance.

Nim, Lincoln, uk

I think the problem is routed in americas history and constitution, it seems obvious that a society that has little access to fire arms will have fewer deaths by them. In america i sense there is a strong belief in peoples right to defend themselves and the freedom to do this through gun ownership and i think this is the crux of the problem. I have read many statistics with regards to motoring deaths and deaths by flu outnumbering those by gun deaths (and gun homicides make up just less than half this figure) . The point is if gun homicides were seen purley in the context of how to stop them, rather than as part of a much larger social issue, then tough gun restrictions would be implemented and gun homicides would fall. The issue i have is that seems to be a problem that shouldnt exist.

James, Manchester, England

I feel that this is a terrible tragedy and hope that moves can be made to reduce the occurrence of such dreadful events. I agree that if an attack is premeditated, or the person is some kind of psychopath, they will be able to get their hands on a gun regardless. However in the event that a person "just snaps" in a high-pressure situation (as reports suggest may have been the case here), the consequences are likely to be much worse if a gun comes to hand easily. In my eyes, that is the main danger of guns being so easily accessible.

While I agree with Scott (below) that an automobile can be a deadly weapon, its primary purpose is not to do harm. I'm sure there are less deliberate automobile deaths than gun deaths each year, and I have not heard of any cases where a person drives onto a campus and kills 30 people by deliberately running them over.

Rachel, Vienna, Austria

My son is studying in Chcago, the knowledge that this could've been him is too much to bear. My heart goes out to those poor families. I agree with ll those calling for changes in US gun law with immediacy.

eve margaret , edinburgh, scotland, uk

I am sorry but terrible as it is to say this, I cannot really sympathize with this yet another massacre. Those victims were not killed by a lone gunman, but by all of America.

You never seem to learn from the previous tragedies - does Amrica realise that it is the ONLY COUNTRY in the whole world with this track record? What else do you expect when you freely permit guns? You come out with rubbish slogans like "If you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have guns."

And in the meantime, the killings go on.

Vincent Josef, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

"Always in America?
Dunblane, Hungerford .......... "

What an excellent example of the "men are from Mars ..." theory. When someone says "always", a man is likely to read it as "every single time", when a woman would read it as "most of the time."

But seriously, in the US on average 82 people a day get killed by guns. I do believe this is not the case in the UK, correct me if I'm wrong.

That aside, my sincere condolances to all those involved.

As for this being the "wrong" time to talk about gun control ... I'd say this is exactly the "right" time. Before it is (almost) forgotten by most.

starling, Lancaster,

This is an exceptionally sad day for America, too many innocent lives lost to an inexplicable tragedy caused by a disturbed individual with motives unknown. A humane society should always recognise such a loss and reflect.

There are something like an estimated 190 million guns, licensed and unlicensed, in America already. Lets say anti-gun laws were brought in and an amnesty announced to allow people to turn in their fire-arms. Most people with licensed guns would probably (reluctantly) turn them in but you'd still have millions of unlicensed fire-arms owned by private citizens, criminals and madmen like the one who carried out a massacre yesterday.

This makes me pause. America has opened their can of worms by not curbing this problem decades ago. There are too many guns in circulation and now it will always be possible to acquire one. So with so many guns already out there, why should people not have the right to protect themselves? It is an almost unanswerable question.

G Morgan, S.P.P Guernsey,

The nationality of the shooter is irrelevant. He had a gun because guns are simply allowed to proliferate in the US (some might say they are glorified). Such tragedies are therefore bound to happen whenever anyone 'snaps'. I remember standing in Times Square in NY and watching the electronic scoreboard of gun deaths for the day ticking over at 67, 68, 69 etc. If, however, there is a deliberate and calculated public and political refusal to tackle the widespread availabity and use of guns, these repeated incidents remain 'voluntary' tragedies - and, however horrific the carnage, it is pointless repeatedly protesting one's shock and horror. Much better to change tack and severely limit (or eliminate) gun sales!

Phil, Hong Kong,

If more students had legal weapons accessible to them, I'm sure more lives would have been saved, because the gunman would have been shot .....legal is the operative word...the gunman obviously had illegal weapons...cocaine is also illegal, but that doesn't stop idiots from using it....banning legal weapons means no protection....should we ban vehicles because some people drink and drive?

merck, decatur, ga. usa

To Scott in Houston and to Richard in Santa Monica: are you guys seriously suggesting that if there were more guns on campus this would be less likely to happen? Are you also of the opinion that if we arm 5yr olds then the nursery schools will be safer places too?

Iain, Norwich,

Guns in the possession of random psychos, or a nation that tolerates the presence of dangerous religious fanatics hell-bent on destruction. Sounds like a matter of picking one's poisons. I'm an American who has lived in your beautiful country, and I'll say, assuredly, that Britain is rapidly advancing its own demise.

Ellen, Little Rock, AR

Re: Mark W from Singapore

It is the inherent failure of the US neo-conservative political model to deal effectively with grassroot social issues that leads to a far higher proportion of 'crazy, violent people' that in more socially responsible models such as Singapore and continental Europe.

Mark, Woking, UK

Gun crime is really a very serious issue in the United States and I do believe that it is all to easy to obtain firearms. We do indeed have this problem in England but not on the scale or frequency of the United states.More stringent measures need to be enforced to try and reduce the high level of firearm ownership, if those with the power make it notoriously difficult to obtain the weapons then it removes the temptation to use them. I would like to send my condolensces to all the families who have been affected by this terrible incident. You are in my prayers

David, Lüdenscheid, Germany

What venom I'm seeing here. Nothing but comments about violent Americans and the accessability of legal guns.

The suspect was South Korean; the VICTIMS were Americans. The 9mm Glock he carried had the serial numbers filed-off. It was an illegal weapon and I seriously doubt he went through a required background check and purchased the gun from a bona-fide dealer.

I know its very difficult for Europeans to understand this cultural orientation, but most Americans who own guns do NOT go out and rob liquor stores, join gangs or go on shooting sprees in schools or malls. I grew up on a farm in southeast Texas, my father rode a horse to repair fences and carried a rifle in a saddle holster. This was pretty much the norm all throughout the county of Texas I lived in, and do you know what our violent crime rate was? Pretty much ZERO. Guns for us were tools and a method to eat. Nobody "horseplayed" with them, nobody misused them. Their existence didn't make us criminals.

James P, Sacramento, California

my symapthies go out to all the freinds and families of those affected in any way by the attrocities yesterday. it is a bad time to start ranting about the USA i agree, however one must look at the causes for these incidents, that seem particulary prevelant in the USA. Surley it is patently obvious that equiping everyone with as many guns as they can carry or afford is the problem, not the solution! sure, anyone can get anything with enough mind to do so, but the lax law must give the impression that it is only right and normal to carry and use a gun. The administration needs to tighten up this law as it is with almost every other country if they want to see a decline in these terrible events.

Gareth, oxford,

I have witnessed psychosis, they are out of touch with reality, the student obviously had an intention as he went armed into the University, but they often have intermittent lucidity and it is when the lucidity returns that they kill themselves when they realise what they have done.

If I lived in America and felt the need to protect myself, I would keep a gun. We will all need guns in England in time because we will need to protect ourselves from the lawless who never get punished.

I believe that computer games and violent films have a lot to do with the psychosis taking the route it does in certain people.

I cannot imagine how those parents and friends must be feeling about losing such innocents.

Christine ter Meulen, Hayes, Middlesex, England

Horrific. Just another example of how we fail in our responsibilities to each other in this country.

We need tougher gun laws and better, more widespread programs for identifying and helping the mentally ill.

I just KNOW the politicians are going to have a field day twisting this to suit their own purposes, and it makes me sick. If only we could break away from this ridiculous mindset and actually do something to keep things like this from happening. So sad.

A University student, Athens, Georgia, US

As usual, the authorities trying to snow us over. To say that things were handled properly (with the info available at the moment and other stock phrases) when we have 32 bodies to bury, caused by one single loony, is totally unacceptable. This has been a monumental muck up.

Eugene, Heidelberg, germany

Phil from HK, I agree with you totally.

DannyJ, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

It seems that a lot of people posting comments have seen this tragedy as a indication that gun laws in the USA should be changed. I actually do believe that gun violence in the USA is endemic and that the laws do nothing to help the situation. HOWEVER, these are in cases where guns are used by rational, sane people, for example, in inner city gang killings. On this occasion, the killer was clearly someone who was not in possession of rational thought, and was bent on revenge - he was in pyschopathic territory. That he chose a gun to carry out such atrocities is unfortunate. But one must also remember that in such a mental state, if a gun was not freely available, he would have most probably picked another weapon. It is therefore hardly appropriate to use this tragedy as a reflection on the gun culture of the USA.

TRB, London,

America is only to blame for this latest tragedy. The gun laws are antiquated in an civil country. Although 30 people have been killed in a span of 2 hours, a greater prevalence of violence reigns in America. Most often of the time it is perpetuated by the black influence in the country. In cities like New Orleans, and Houston, where there are a great number of blacks, they ruthlessly rule certain portions of cities holding honest citizens hostage from their native homes.

But regardless of colour, America has a history of violence, as seen in their ascension to become an independent country. When America gets rid of her guns, will it truly become a model place to live in the world.

Rainn, Dusseldorf, Germany

The campus shooting is a tragedy for the families affected. However, I expect we will hear from the NRA how this sad event could somehow have been avoided had more citizens exercised their ‘god given’ right to carry a gun!
With 200 million guns already in circulation any form of gun control will be slow to take effect. But you have to start somewhere and sometime. With the numbers involved it will just take longer to have an impact. But unless America wants headlines like this to continue in the centuries to come then gun control is inevitable.
Guns are just a passive implement waiting for a sick mind, but the ease with which they are available turns what might have been a single stabbing into multiple murder at the squeeze of a trigger. Canadians seem to manage to live without guns. When will a US president show the courage and maturity to take action to start the long slow process of weaning the USA away from its macho gun culture?

Kevin, Kent,

The nation follows its leader.

A gunman storms a community and kills 32.
A President storms a country and kills 600,000.

What's the difference? America is a fundamentally sick country. The guns do not kill people, the depraved, hypocritical, morality-free culture does.

James Lander, London, UK

I am from Roanoke, Virginia and have been at Va Tech numerous times to visit friends and attend football games. What people here in the UK and elsewhere in the US don't realise, is the HUGE size of the campus (over 26,000 acres), number of buildings (over 100) and number of people that can be on the campus at any given time (possibility of up to 25,000). I firmly believe that the campus police & administration did what they thought best with the information that they had. How in the world could they have locked down the campus? The shootings occured at a time when there would have been thousands coming into the campus; thousands walking around on the campus and thousands already in classrooms. How can you communicate in this situation? My heart goes out to the families of the innocent victims. Blacksburg is Va Tech and is a very close community. My deepest sympathies to Blacksburg, & Va Tech but most of all, to the families.

Lynn, South Ockendon, UK

remember that here in the UK doctor Harold Shipman killed over 200 people the figure could be as high as 450,all with a syringe and over a number of years
I dont see any knee jerk rection of horror from the british public over this.
Perhaps a better solution is to let everyone carry a gun,then this scenario could not happen.
Banning guns is not a solution,ask the 9/11 hijackers!

Michael Wilkinson, Telford, England

I am very sorry for the family and friends of the victims, but that's about it!

When is USA going to learn that if they don't change their gunlaws, history will repeat itself over and over. USA's gunlaws make me sick! There are mental people all over the world, but to handle out guns and ammunition to them like it was candy, only happens in America. So why am I not surprised?

Change the laws before it happens again!!

Sebastian, Copenhagen, Denmark

Phil in Hong Kong

If the US is so bad, why is the suicide rate in Hong Kong higher than America?

MCD, Elmhurst, USA

200 pepole per year shot and killed in the UK. 10,000 people per year shot and killed in the US. The statistics speak for themsleves.

JB, Newcastle, England

As much as the guns, the problem is the culture they are available in. All these campus shootings have been carried out by individuals who have perceived themselves as 'excluded'. In a culture that lauds only success, money, good-looks and popularity, it is inevitable that poor, ugly underachievers will have a hefty axe to grind. Or semi-automatic to polish.

George Lennan, La Rochelle, France

Guns are specifically designed to KILL PEOPLE. That's what they do!
It just blows my mind that an exchange student (anyone basically) can get a 'hand-held killing too'l so easily.

And why are so many Americans Soooo defensive ALL THE TIME.
It's like, 'how dare the Rest of the World criticise us' because we're so great.
====America, The World's playground bully. With a gun.====

Tim, Oxford, England

This shooting, as all others that have already occured in school facilities in the U.S are of the entire responsibility of the american society because she does not protect its citizens from psychological instable people by letting everyone have easy access to guns. After all this events it is starting to seem that the gun industry as sucha a power that it goes beyond human lives.

Ines Rita, Coimbra, Portugal

We are all deeply sadden by this outrageous turn of events, my heart goes out to all involved, victims, familes, after all these are children that have lost there lives..

Taking guns off the american people would be almost impossible, discipline is what is needed when it comes to any sort of weapon, understanding the consequences of actions undertaken with a weapon.

However if someone is willing to take their own life, they can commit any crime.

I think taking the Guns from Americans and making them illegal, would mean the 'bad' people would be the only ones left carrying them, making the majourity of obedient law abiding citizens defenceless.

Adam Webb, Milton Keynes, UK

It's really anormal that americans people have guns at home. It is doubtless due in their independence which was made by the violence (with guns)

nono, massy, france

Plain and simple, ban guns, this doesnt happen with such regularity in any countries where guns are illegal. Until this happens sadly parents on campuses and schools will continue to watch their sons and daughters die at the hands of distressed people with easy access to both arms and bullets.

charlie thomson, singapore,

I agree with BK in Italy - the bizarre argument for everyone having a gun to make the world safer means we should let every country have nuclear weapons then?

Crazy. More guns mean more gun deaths

simon , valencia, espana

To my knowledge, almost everyone owns a firearm in Switzerland (higher rate of ownership than U.S.A.) yet there is negligible gun crime,if any. Clearly proliferation of gun ownership is not the main problem.
I think some of yur readers should show less prejudice and mor compassion towards the American victims of this tragedy.

Stephen Rowley, London, UK

Someone once said that America had gone from the Stone age to the Space age without the usual intervention of civilization. As a country, the USA needs to look long and hard at itself: no country is perfect and no where is this more true than in the US of A.

M, London ,

I wonder how many people have to die in mass murders such as this for the sake of the popular idiotic interpretation of the second ammendment?

Perhaps if every American who wanted to own a gun were also forced to serve in the National Guard, which is the modern-day "militia," those who adhere such a stupid intepretation would change their tune--and we would find ourselves involved in fewer elective wars, such as Iraq.

D. Kane, Long County, GA

Maybe time for a ban on guns? (Just a suggestion).

Tom Hewer, Oxford, UK

It is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts will be with the colleagues and families of those gunned down and killed.

Gun control cannot control a jealous, angry man. While women are regarded as possessions there will be emotional rages and consequent defiance. It is the emotional maturity of men that may lead to a less aggressive response to rejection.

JANE FLEMING, PETERBOROUGH, U K

32 young people dead and they argue about 100 ml hairschampoo!
In the big land of possibilities you can buy an automatic military gun for 699 dollar but you cant get 200 ml hairschampoo on the airplane.
Its allowed to by a maschinegun and trow bullet around you but you are in realy trouble if someone can supect you of attending to trow hairschampoo around you.
Why does terrorist bother with stealing airplane when they much easier can by weapons to an army fully legal?

Peter Ström, Vänersborg, Goetaland Sweden

These comments are scarily revelatory - on one hand people suggest gun control and on the other gun toting americans suggest a hand gun on the hip of every student would have prevented it - that really shows the difficulty of the debate in the US and how it reflects the complex nature of the nation and it's identity. No-one in the UK, especially working at Universities has anything but sympathy for students and families for this tragedy. We are not complacent in theUK we have our tragedies too despite gun control. The unexpected cannot always be planned for and somone with intent can always find a way - gun crime in the UK is rising and shootings around schools in London is becoming nearly commonplace so don't sit on a moral high horse about the US. We are shocked and mourn with you.

amazon, London,

Could we have a shots fired, to people killed to people wounded ratio? Helps to square Authority's version of events with what really happened.

Andrew Milner, Yokohama, Japan

One more example of human folly. A freak in one of the Kuzbass coal mines in Russia lit a cigarette underground ... a killed more than a hundred people. Thanks God they don't sell guns in Russia.

Yuri Toporkov, Moscow, Russia

Phil, Hong Kong

Nice of you to take this horrible tragedy and use it as an opportunity to slam America.

BTW, the early word is the killer was a Chinese National, in the US since August.

Also, If the US is so bad, why is the suicide rate in Hong Kong higher?

MCD, Elmhurst, USA

It's about time the US stop inventing wars abroad and start fighting their war on terror at home, beginning with some deep soul searching.

J. Bucha, Rio, Brazil

To call this man a criminal is wrong, in the sense of fallacious. No rational person, and for a criminal to be a criminal as opposed to mentally ill, they must be rational, has anything to gain by a killing spree followed by suicide. This is a social ill, and needs legislation and a broad social approach to tackle the underlying issues. A blanket gun ban would not solve this, since the same thing would occur with different weapons. What is needed is a progressive social concern with mental health issues, coupled with sensible gun control.

KJ Keir, Aberdeen, Scotland

Phil from Hong Kong and Gubby from Singapore, it's funny that you criticize the US for this shooting, considering the fact that the shooter was an ASIAN gentleman in the US on a student visa. If there are any similar nut cases in your countries, please keep them there.

Jack, Lawrence, KS

The school should be held partially responsible. The school did not allow students and faculty with valid concealed carry permits to carry weapons on campus. The police are unable to be everywhere at once and the school denied lawful citizens the right to defend themselves!

Bret, Chicago, USA

Crazy country, crazy president, crazy laws.
Why are we surprised?

I think it's a case of God help America, not God bless America.

My heart nonetheless goes out to the victims and their families.

ed ingle, chesham, bucks

To annie from New York, USA.

What makes you think the gunman was a Chinese exchange student? I have read no reports indicating such a thing. The reports indicated that he was an Asian person, which naturally leads to the conjuncture that he was an American of East Asian descent.

The keyword here is "American".

Maybe its time to revisit those absurd gun laws, eh?

Chee, Coventry,

guns dont kill people- stupid fellas with guns kill people. It is high time for the citizens of United States to voice their opinion and lobby for tighter gun laws. I come from FIJI Islands, and in fact there are no gun related incidents (apart for the recent military coup) for quite some time. Australia has great gun laws, but inspite all, smugglers get their way through in accessing firearms, and it seems rather easily obtained. How many venues can the State governments protect all at once?
Sympathies to families of those murdered in the events.

Av, Sydney, Australia

The lack of gun control in the U.S. stems from a gross misinterpretation of the Bill of Rights. It is clearly a comma in the middle of the Second Amendment and not a period when it reads: 'A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.' The right is reserved for those serving in the militia, at the time of the Revolutionary War, the minutemen. It was never intended that the average citizen should have free access to firearms.

Douglas Williams, Pembroke Pines, Florida

Before the backlash, remember Hungerford. One lone man took down a village and it has happened in Europe to. A man with a deranged mind can act in places where large concentrations of people are at the most obvious time as Hungerford Massacre shows.

The US, which is my second home of choice is on university campus locations. The first situation and second situation were risk assessments that only Hungerford outcome could predict. Therefore, a campus is a small institutional village where a deranged person can make the most impact before self harming. It was mass murder and suicide. This is a state of mind, not a political act. The weapon of such irrelevant to the action and outcome in my view.

PA Badger, Kendal and San Diego, UK/US

Always in America?
Dunblane, Hungerford ..........
Why must people always knock the USA at the slightest excuse?
A horrible tragedy and my thoughts are with all those affected - including the police who will always wonder if they could have done more ..... when probably they could not.

Lawrence, Colchester, Essex

Here in Australia, we had a similar incident which led to a huge change in our gun laws. A huge "buy back" scheme saw semi-automatic guns taken out of circulation in our society. Best thing we ever did. Here in Australia, we don't have guns in private ownership except for special circumstances. I don't know anyone who owns a gun. Americans are crazy about their guns. Sad, but true. As can be seen by the comments on this page, people all over the world just shake their heads in bewilderment.

Catherine, Cairns, Australia

Trying to place the blame on the madman and saying that the gun was innocent is wrong. Of course the killer used the gun, but the fact remains that it was easy to get hold of the firearm. In a country where it takes a little forethought to get one, the necessary time spent organising its procurement will probably be long enough for the impulse to pass. In other words, in the moment of rage there isn't a gun in sight, so you probably wreck the house instead. The reason so many die in the US is absolutely undeniably linked to the fact that there are so many guns to hand.

Any other argument has to be considered sophistry. And the arguments stating that anybody on the campus with a gun could have saved other lives (by killing the gunman) are undeniably reflective of the US mentality. In Europe we would try to stop the killer getting the gun in the first place; any argument that the more guns there are, the safer the place is, is bizarre.

BK, Modena, Italy

Criminals do not obey the Law.

DUH!!

This is a simple concept. Even a Liberal can grasp it.

What part of "criminal" do you fail to understand?

It is quite illegal to have firearms on the Virginia Tech campus, but did the Law stop this madman? Did the police?

But I have no doubt that a single law-abiding citizen, had he been allowed a weapon, WOULD have stopped it!

Dozens of innocents are dead today BECAUSE of firearm regulations, NOT in spite of them!

It has been proven time and time again that more gun control simply increases the criminal use of guns.

Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results!

The solution is a new approach to gun regulations- REQUIRE all honest adults to own and maintain a firearm, and keep ammunition for it,.

Smith & Wesson are quite effective negotiators with homicidal maniacs.

What part of "criminal" do you fail to understand? How many more innocents must die?

Mike Best, Greensboro, NC, USA

Isn't it typical of the man that, at a time like this, Bush can't omit a little plug for the right to bear arms?

Monty Goel, Calcutta, India

Its times like these when people need to ensure that the ugly subject of racism doesnt creep into the subject! who cares where this madman came from (nobody even knows!) and who cares about gun laws - this is a tragedy, just like many others before it and, im sure, many others to come - these things will happen regardless of government control - the guy was determined to do what he did and no gun law would have stopped him!

think about the poor families that lost their loved ones for nothing ! - stop looking for someone to blame! the only person to blame was the man that did it!

Edana , Scotland , UK

Clayton from Dallas, you might want to take a closer look at the statistics before jumping to broad conclusions. I'm not an expert, but I've read that the statistics are kept in much different ways between here in the US and most of the EU countries. While I have no doubt that the UK's rate is lower than the US, I think the disparity is not as shocking as it might look on the surface. It's not really the wild, wild west here.

Dave, Kansas City,

This is a terrible thing to happen but it is laughable calling for more people to be armed at a time like this.

Its a matter of odds. There are always going to be crazy, violent people in every society. As the number of guns in circulation increase, the odds of a crazy, violent yahoo getting his hands on one increase.

The only factor that can be controlled is the amount of guns in circulation. The freedom to shoot targets, ducks, bears, lawyers etc is not worth the additional anxiety of knowing that the crazy b*stard shouting at cars on the street could legally have a gun, and just maybe faster on the draw than you...

Mark W, Singapore, Singapore

Phil in HK has a point. This type of behaviour seems to be nutured by a society who wave the bible in one hand and a gun in the other. Yes it could've happened anywhere but it didn't, it happened in the USA. Again.

sally, singapore,

The U.S. does have problems with gun violence Phil from Hong Kong, but, it's hardly something the average citizen in this country would ever personally experience. Most kids can go to school each day and not be afraid that their school is going to have a killer rampaging through its halls.

I disagree with my fellow citizens that this isn't the time to be questioning the U.S.' gun control policy. Situations like this are exactly the time to question our laws. (Though the attitude of Phil is disgusting.) Grieve first and then reassess and analyze how what we can do about this in the future. But I agree the first reaction to this event should not be to politicize it.

Erin, U.S.,

Whilst I do agree that guns aren't living things per se that kill people, that humans are the living ones that kill, it's still very sad that such a tragedy should happen in a school. I'm a university student in Japan, this is horryfying even more that these people were young people my age. Still, as long as America keeps endorsing guns, killings, and violence in it's cultures, these types of shootings are still prone to occur.
My condolences do go out to the victims of such a tragedy.

Karina, Aomori,, Japan

Phil from hong kong, reports are that the gunman only came into the country within the last 12 months (student visa) and is from China. Whilst it appears you wish it to be the case, don't you think stating this as being endemic and typical of the US is a bit hasty?

Jay, Chicago, US

why? why such things happened again and again ? Isn't the time America government to do something to protect the kids ~the adolescent~the all citizen.It absolutely is a tragedy for everyone,My deepest condolences to all of them.

kingon, guangzhou, china

Our sympathies with the grieving families and friends of those who were killed, injured or traumatised by this incident. I also mourn their loss. However, this should not be an excuse for governments to suppress citizens' rights to bear arms and to defend themselves. If a lunatic drove a bus full of people into a river, would we be calling for a mass-recall of driving licences? Guns do not kill people. People kill people.

remi, London,

Right - a madman did kill the people. But it was a madman with a GUN. In most countries guns are not sold like candy and it is very difficult (not impossible) to get one. If madmen were not practically supplied with guns by the gun lobby the best they could do would be to punch someone. As for Hong Kong, it is one of the safest places on earth. Gun crime is exceedingly rare. Please do find out the figures. Please also look at comparative figures for gun deaths for Scandinavia and the US (and social support and welfare / medical systems too).

Phil, Hong Kong,

Sincere condolences, real tradegy.
I don't think that it's the problem of gun control. If the state acts like a criminal, killing and bombing everyone who has other opinion all over the world, teaching its citizens that the only argument is weapon, such incidents will happen.

Jussstice, Novgorod, Russia

After Lancashire (UK) I would choose to live in the USA before any other place on earth. My oldest son is right now studying on a campus near Boston (MA) and has been treated amazingly well by a big-hearted State.

Tragedy is immeasurable when it comes in the kind of experience suffered in Virginia yesterday. The broken hearts and damaged lives deserve to be attended by our sympathy and prayers. Let the discussion of remedies wait a few days.

John, Birmingham, UK

THE US ( and Brasil) needs gun control.

Gene, Sydney,

Phil, initial reports are that the gunman only came into the country within the last 12 months (student visa) and is from China. I realize these reports need to be confirmed but stating this as being endemic and typical of the US is a bit hasty at this point, don't you think? As much as it appears you'd like it to be the case.

Jay, Chicago, US

Clayton is shocked the UK 'only' has 44 gun deaths a year. We are shocked it is so many! Many European countries have far fewer than that. It may be harsh to say it (as a correspondent points out) but these shootings in the US occur regularly. I understand about 10,000 people a year are killed by guns in the US. If the US loves its guns and gun lobby, it is pointless being 'horrified' a la Bush when these things occur. This is a US tragedy that is entirely avoidable with the right legislation and a new mindset. Don't blame others for stating the obvious.

Phil, Hong Kong,

The American goverment should take responsibility for this case. For its lax law. There is no other country permit their people have guns.

princess, Tokyo, Jap

I say we implement gun control AND FOREMOST AND MAINLY,

PEOPLE CONTROL.

Eugene, Heidelberg, germany

My family is stunned and sickened by this horrific act. I am for stronger gun control, but the sad truth is that you don't know what goes through someone's mind and if those thoughts are violent, that person can stil get access to weapons and ammo. They don't need to have a record. The first sign of violence needs only to be the one time they need.

My heart and prayers goes out to the families of the students. What more can I say? It breaks my heart.

Lorel, Burlington Township, New Jersey

just like there are a lot earthquake drill in Japan, I think the university students in U.S. should have 'gun shooting drill' instead. If guns are so common and so easy to get, people should learn how to react to this kind of situation and protect themselves.

julia, China,

Is it really a good time to start ranting about US society as a whole especially considering the tragedy happened just hours ago?

Alex W-B, New York, New York

Why always in america? Why no-ones voices is being raisen against guns owners? is the national guns association too powerful to control even elections?

unfortunately this will happen again and again, till Americans react by voting against the fact of owning guns.

bajjara, Paeete,

to Phil from Hong Kong:Typical of the US?How about the gunman was a Chinese exchange student?What is next from you,Bush is to blame?

annie, New York, USA

I live in the Detroit metropolitan area, rite across from Canada. In Canada people are not alloud to carry guns. And you see a difference when you go over there. You have a sence of feeling safe. But when you go back across the river that sence of feeling safe is gone. The freedom of being able to carry or easily purchase a weapon is a freedom we should not have! When i first seen it on the TV about the shootings i just looked at the TV, rolled my eyes and said "whatever" then changed the channel. Sounds cold hearted but it has become such a common situation its almost like you've seen one you've seen them all. And the day goes on in the stressfull society of the American public. If weapon were not so easy to get, this and allot of other shooting would have never happened.

Scott, Canton, MichganUS

Guns in America. The possible fact (just read this) that he may have been here on visa. Our culture. President George W. Bush (???). Whatever.

Senseless slaughter executed by one in seven billiion. That's all that really matters in this. Has nothing to do with situation nor implements.

Pete Scarvelis, Lakewood, OH

The victims have yet to be identified in full, yet some choose to push their political agenda by politicizing the tragedy. Absolutely wretched.

B. Alford, Houston, TX, USA

Yes if there had been gun control casualties would have been reduced. But if the University had closed the campus down immediately after the first shootings, over 30 students would still be alive right now.

Everyone makes mistakes in the heat of the moment. The reality though is that the gun itself did not kill all these people. It was the gunman who was firing it that did. If he was that desperate to kill, even with gun control he could easily have found another way to carry out his deadly deed especially if he turns out to have been an engineering student.

My thoughts go out to those poor famillies and friends who are hearing the tragic news of the loss of a loved one tonight. I just hope in the aftermath there isn't a knee jerk reaction as we have faced over airline security. Yes our safety is important, but so is our freedom and way of life.

Stephanie, London, England

I from Dallas, Texas, and lived in London last summer for a law school study abroad program. I was shocked when I read in the papers the England only had 44 gun deaths in a whole year.

Gun control in the US and especially in Texas needs to be strongly considered. It is sad that an event like this has to happen for people from the US to look into gun control.

Clayton, Dallas, Texas, USA

This is without question a horrible tragedy and my deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the victims and their families.

Regarding gun control, however, what would greater regulation of guns have done to prevent this? Nothing. A crazy person like this is not going to be dissuaded by gun regulations. Even if he did not have a gun, he still could have killed large numbers of people with an even deadlier weapon we all have -- an automobile. If more gun control regulations would not help, then what would? What about less gun control? Indeed, if even one of the other students was carrying a licensed, concealed handgun, he or she could have stopped this tragedy well before it took such a horrific toll.

Scott, Houston, Texas, USA

I understand everyone thinks we are a bunch of gun tot'en yahoos. Not true. Anyone can get anything anywhere I don't care what country you come from. To insult us right now is cheap and ugly. It can happen anywhere and it has. Have a heart for the families that are hurting right now. To judge a country by this event is not fair. I could dig up dirt I'm sure PHIL about Hong Kong but what good what that do? None.

Jason Greer, Atlanta, Georgia - USA

When is the US going to look at the issues behind these shootings? The constitution was written in a different time, and needs to be amended. Why on earth do suburban families need weapons at home? Added to computer 'shoot them up' games that encourages impressionable children to kill, then this all becomes too predictable. It will happen again and again, until the US gorvernment acts responsibly, and the US people get over the rediculous right to carry weapon clause in the constitution

Gubby Allen, Singapore, Singapore

phil from hong kong, firstly, america does not profess to be moral, but de facto, it is the most in the entire world. secondly, as a resident of china, i say this to you: he who lives in a glass home should not hurl stones. and show some respect too. 32 innocent youngsters were shot to death, so hold off on your analysis and insight, and mourn and reflect, if you have a heart, like the rest of us.

aaron, nyc, usa

As long as we deny law-abiding students and teachers the right to carry guns for self-defense on campus, these "gun free zones" will be target-rich environments for criminals and madmen.

Richard, Santa Monica, CA, USA

While I appreciate the support and sympathy the UK and Asia have shown, please do take into account that at least 30 people have lost their lives. Now is not the time to rant and blame the U.S. gun laws. Have a heart... lax laws did not kill 30 people, a madman did.

jarrod, reading, ma

I graduated in 1992 from the University of South Carolina so I feel a lot of emphaty for the victims classmates, roommates, teachers, community, faculty and staff but above all their families!

My deepest condolences to all of them.

Unfortunately, this will happen again and it is just a matter of where and when?

But what about gun control (there is a gun per capita in the US.)?; War against Drug Abuse and psychological treatment for war vets who comeback home...

Andres, Guayaquil, Ecuador

No surprise. Absolutely typical of the US. Endemic gun violence at home. Death and destruction abroad. Sick! And such a 'moral' nation too!

Phil, Hong Kong,

I feel terribly sad about the massacre that has taken place at Virginia Tech U. And I feel a lot of emphaty towards the situation because I graduated from the U. of South Carolina in 1992.

My deepest condolences to their victims classmates, roommates, teachers, faculty and sataff, community and above all the families.

I would like to leave some thoughts to the US. Gov. What about gun control? War against drugs comsumption, treatment to war vets who comeback home and among other issues.

Andres, Guayaquil, Ecuador

I graduated in 1992 from the University of South Carolina so I feel very sad about this massacre because I have a lot of emphaty and gratitude towards US. citizens (I do not say Americans because we are Americans also).

Some people don't see the tragedy into this: my heart is with the victims classmates, roommates, teachers, faculty and staff but above all with their families!

However, I do believe that most people should pressure for gun control, fight drug abuse and watch war vets who comeback home and need psychological treatment.

Andres , Guayaquil , Ecuador

I am totally disgusted by some of the comments expressed here. I am a college student in Virginia, USA, VT is about 3 hours away, and we are all shaken from this terrible attack. It is not a common place for people to own or flaunt the use of guns in the USA. I am a 22 year old female and guns have never been a part of my life. America is a generally safe, and quiet place. I live in a city, and other than avoiding the dangerous areas, I have never had a problem. I don't know where this terrible idea of americans being gun-toting psycos came from, but it sickens me. We are angry with our president, and we should not be judged because of what our government does! Killing children at school is NOT a normal occurance, thank you very much. My mother is English, and I was always proud of my english heritage, but some of these postings really make me sad, and proud of my american roots even more. I'm sorry people can't just be sad for the families of murdered kids. thanks for those who care

Heather, Richmond, Virginia, USA

This is a terrible tragedy, and our thoughts- all of us- should be with the families and friends of those innocents who were hurt and killed. The reason that the bearing of arms was in the American constitution has nothing to do with present society- perhaps our friends should think about removing it- but none of us- no country- is innocent here. While immoral people make money out of selling guns and frightened, or damaged and insane people can buy them, these tragedies will occur in ANY country at ANY time. Let us not be holier than thou about this. We, in Canada, have had our own tragedies- the Montreal massacre for example, and I am sure others have suffered as well. This is not a national issue, it is a moral one- the dealing in firearms.Pray for the victims, and that we learn.

Ann Wright, Edmonton, Alberta/Canada

i am ashtonished! 32 people have lost their life's cut shirt by a mad man and people are blaming the US people and their gun laws!!!!

have people forgotten about hungerford and dunblane? what about the gun men who took over a school in the ukraine a few years ago?

this sort of tragedy can happen anywhere in the world and i think people should cut the US some slack and offer their condolences instead of using this travesty as an opportunity to bash the states!

koby, newcastle upon tyne, england

I think my Christian sympathy goes along the lines of:

THOU SHALT NOT KILL

So why do you need a gun?

My sympathy goes to the victims and their families, i think those who have to live with it for the rest of their lives should have a say on what they think about guns.

Subster, oxford , England

So long as a person, not 'the People', is allowed access to such a weapon & it is not 'well regulated', & as use for only within a 'militia', then these incidents will continue. If I was so unfortunate to have been a student in those circumstances, I'd rather that the mishandled weapon was a knife - at least there would've been a chance of escape or defence. Indeed, guns don't kill people, but they do make the killing a whole lot easier. The People must cease this misinterpretation of their own constitutional amendment.

El, UK,

I am an American. I graduated from Va. Tech.

It's very simple. America needs to outlaw all guns. Most of our law enforcement officials should not even carry guns. The good guys didn't fire a single shot at Va Tech and their armed presence certainly was not a deterrent. I can't recall the last time that a person in the US was actually aided by somone else using a gun.

I love my country. I however will be the first to admit that we really are a bunch of Hollywoodized, Wild Wild West, Media Frenzied, Life Imitating Art, Cop Car Chased Down the Freeway fools. The last thing any fringe element in our country needs is easy access to weapons.

Why make it any easier for these people to inflict their lunacy on the rest of us?

Kevin, Atlanta, USA

But we must always remember - "Guns don't kill people; people kill people". What complete and utter lunacy!

Peter Wheatley, Sydney, Australia

I think you have a warped view of what Americans are. No one encourages violence in schools. Our children are our most valuable gifts.
We are forced to deal with child molesters, child killers and deranged lunatics because it's not PC to lock them up and throw away the key. We have to "understand their plight". Criminals aren't punished for their wrong doings, instead they get 3 meals a day in Air cooled rooms with free cable, clothing, and a consierge service of sorts while the rest of us are forced to foot the bill!
Do you really think that makes us happy? We would love to see this kind of thing brought to an end. Gun control isn't the answer, however. We are given the right under our constitution to protect ourselves and our property and families from not only the criminal element, but also from our own government, should its powers reach beyond what is constitutionally allowed. Unfortunately, we are finding that our citizens are too cowardly live up to that responsibility...

CKN, Freakville, FL

Well I guess this is the American Policy aimed at raising up very notorious and competent soldiers to Iraq and Afganistan. The rule is no mercy, kill them all!!

Samet, london,

I am not one bit suprised, sadly. Heap scorn on me in bucketloads, but the relic of free gun-access has yet again taken its toll. I am sure the Founding Fathers of yours would have alleviated the menace, had they lived to see in how different times we came to live in. Anyone who'll still cling to the "no guns means an easy nation to conquer" is a no-talk person to me. Just look at yourselves, you're already conquered. By your own failure to address the root cause of the sickeningly frequent shootings. Goodnight and goodbye, I guess.

Wiktor, Gdańsk,

Its the price we pay for having a "free" country. Life goes on though.

Gina Ramirez, Phoenix, USA, Arizona

In my opinion, if you're not from the United States, you do not have an opinion. A lot of us do not own guns and want gun control laws.

As a college student in the U.S., I am very disturbed by this tragedy (and others of the past). I have been to England for many periods of time. This hostility toward American people is the exact reason why the British have the "snob" stereotype. Quit watching British propaganda news on the U.S. and watch some real news where you will learn REAL information about us. Otherwise you have NO right to judge.

My heart goes out to the victims and their families.

Stephanie Huff, Bowling Green, KY/USA

This horrific tragedy was the result of a lone Asian gunman, who is now dead himself. There was no way to have anticipated the intentions of this man in order to protect the students at Virginia Tech.

I agree that there should be gun control in this country, however, I will say that I, personally, do not know anyone who owns a gun. Most people I know want nothing to do with them. We have a strong gun lobby in this country who are irritating, to say the least, with their blathering rhetoric about having guns for protection and hunting purposes.

It is a sad day here with the loss of so many young lives who were just trying to get an education. We grieve for their famililes..........and for the families everywhere who have lost loved one through unnecessary violence.

Joie, Cincinnati, OH, USA

Does anyone realize this crime was committed by an adult attending college? Everyone keeps talking about the age at which you can buy a gun, but this gunman was clearly an adult.

What kind of strict gun control laws are you asking for? Don't you realize that even if you developed a complete psychological profile at which to base your sales on, it doesn't guarantee that someone won't become unstabile later on. Free will is something you can't predict.

Nobody is encouraging violence in schools. That is ridiculous.

And while Americans have the right to bear arms, not everyone over here owns a gun. To say weapons are a "part and parcel" of American life is uninformed.

Amber, College Station, TX

I think that most normal people show some humanity in situations like this, but others take the opportunity of commenting on some negative aspects of the US involvement in world affairs. This shooting could have happened anywhere on the planet.

I suppose that, in view of what has happened in the past in other schools/colleges, the campus security people should not have been asleep when this heavily-armed nutcase carried out his task. Had they been on the ball, it would never have happened.

E J Murray, Kerry, Ireland

It sickens me that there is so much ugliness in this world, and I am not refering to the tragedy at Virginia Tech. What very small and twisted people you all are. You can't even put your hatred of America or a president that you disagree with aside for one moment to express sympathy for the victims of this tragedy. There are thirty two families today whose lives have been forever changed by today's events. How about sparing a thought for them? Oh, that's right, you can't , because your minds are so full of hate that all you can do is spew your ignorant venom.

You should be ashamed.

C Heathcote, Brick, NJ, USA

Although the shootings are clearly abominable, I think that there is something to be said of the hypocrisy existing in the Government's condemnation of these shooting sprees when considering its violent foreign policy. I think also that this kind of event is to some extent inevitable. Just as we get over one massacre comes the next. In order to tackle the problem at its root, we should think more about mental health and supporting those (and there will always be some) people who feel isolated from their community. Depression, anger and (without meaning to sound puerile) hormones that lead to irrationality, will continue to trigger these violent acts.

Michael Albert Brown, Cambridge,

As a college student in America, I would like to point out that not even half the country voted for Bush, and that most people I know (even in a red state like Arizona, where I live) do NOT support the president. Yes, our government has issues with the control of oil and other countries, but it's not our own fault that we are unsafe in our homes and campuses when one man has a psychotic episode. I don't support how available guns are here in the US and, especially in any campus setting, I would say students and citizens often feel the same way. And if this man had a strong will to do this kind of thing, he was going to find a gun no matter what. I'm offended by the fact that simply by being an American, I'm to blame for my country's downfalls, when in fact our government is not as representative of the people as it pretends to be.

Rose Elise, Tucson, Arizona

Lets not have a knee jerk reaction and start talking about banning guns. This was a lone killer intent on killing. If not with a gun he would have used a car, or a bomb, or something else deadly. To use this as an excuse to ban guns would be a grave over reaction. In America the people have the right to own a firearm, period. We need to tackle the root cause of violence, not the method that they exercise to comit the act. If it were a buick used would John in London say it's the United States fault because we have a lot of cars? Give me a break.

Travers, Dallas, USA

This is just awful. Prayers to the kids at VT!

Kenneth, Greenville, SC/USA

Having lived in South Africa I have seen the effects of 'legitimate' gun ownership. Despite my sadness at learning of this latest tragedy I can only comment that it's bound to happen in a society in which gun ownership is treated as normal to the point of being passe.

Will McDonagh, London, U.K

Perhaps we should think less about the NRA and Bush for a moment and give some thought to thouse who have died, those who are wounded, and their families. I graduated from VA Tech in 1995. Tech is a great school and Blacksburg is a beautiful, quiet Virginia town. This is shocking and heartbreaking.

Amy, Orlando, Florida, USA

Dear smug Brits (who have an overall crime rate three times higher than the US's):

We love *you*, too.

Bruce, Austin, TX

In some sense all your comments show how biased are anglosaxon perceptions of the world. Yes, it is sad that 32 people were killed in Virgina Tech U. It is very sad, but nonetheless, I do not read any regrets or reflections here when X, Y or Z amount of people die either of hunger in Africa or bombed in Irak. Most of you live in islands inside your own imagination, implicitly recongizing that anglosaxon lifes are more valuable than any other. Think about it...

John, Coventry,

Just heard about the news. I don't know what to think about this issue. I go hunting and target shooting several times a year, it's fun and part of the culture where I grew up...I love my country and the freedoms that we have...but why anyone would do this is beyond my imagination.

We need to wait until more facts are in...I don't think this is as simple eliminate guns and you eliminate the problem...my friend helped victims at the Oklahoma City bombing and that was the product of a sick person using fertilizer for a bomb, I think...with a higher death toll...

So it seems that when you get a country as diverse as America, with close to 300 million people, tragedies are bound to happen, in some form or another. I'm proud of both our diversity and liberties, but again, I'm shocked.

Anyway, the families of the victims are in my prayers and I'm disgusted by the insults directed toward my country that are posted here...

M, Middle America, USAA

Here is a crazy world. Why would somebody commit such a terrible atrocity? Why is there the opportunity for these people to be able to do these things? I think this is a matter that need to be considered deeply, the problem needs to be solved and not ignored if we don't want to hear any thing like this again.

Rasam, Tehran, Iran

Automatic weapons should be banned whether or not they were used in this atrocity. As someone already said, most Americans do not own guns and it is unfortunate that someone crazy or filled with hate can obtain these too easily. Do not assume "it can't happen here," because it can and may. Having been against Bush's rule from the beginning, I can only hope his predecessor exhibits some wisdom. Wikipedia is currently listing it under "Mass Murders" as "unidentified Asian man." We'll see if this is the beginning of misinformation or not.

Lynne, Denver, CO

America doesn't need more gun laws. Take away all the guns and only criminals will have them. I'm sick and tired of all you people saying that this is what America deserves. Sure, I don't like the president and feel he's done a poor job of it...but it's not his fault anymore than it's mine or yours. If there is blame to assign...it lays squarely with the parents. Children learn their behavioral responses from their environment...which should be monitored and controlled by their parents.

Another thing that is starting to piss me off is everyone saying "take away the guns and this won't happen". Why is that? Can someone only be killed with a gun? I'd think a couple of well placed bombs would cause as much or even more casualties. And from what you hear in the news...easily assembled in most kitchens. Someone with a pencil could conceivably kill 30 people in a day. Do we take away all pencils? It's not the method of killing that needs to be addressed...but it's reasons..

cll88, Medford,

Maybe if those students that have been shot were also carrying guns to defend themselves , only the gunman will be the one lying dead on the floor.
The bad guys have access to guns at any given time is the law obeyding citizens always the ones that are unarmed .

My most sincere condolences to all the families affected for this tragic event.

F.Bonmati, New Jersey, USA

I've read the file of comments and am surprised that no one has questioned why an inidivual would kill all these young people. I am not a believer in all citizens having access to arms but it takes a person to kill with a weapon. I understand that little is known of the killer as yet but do wonder what would turn a mind to such mayhem.

My prayers are with the family and friends of these murdered young people.

Judith, Cambridge, Canada

It is truly depressing to see that some people here have used this tragedy to 'feel smug' about their own country's gun laws. The US law may well need to be changed but surely the sentiment here should be one of sympathy rather than political one-upmanship. What a sad world we live in.

Tim Potter , Chicago, US

This shooting has nothing to do with politics, or the war in Iraq, or the president. What happened here was the act of a purely sick individual who would, had he not had access to guns, whould have found some other way to get the job done. And stop assuming that all Americans encourage violence and gun use.

My heart goes out to all the families of victims and the students of Tech. I am praying for you.

Heather, Fairfax, Virginia, USA

While the anti-gun lobby may have gained more support for its case with this atrocity, some of the smug, self-righteous, anti-American responses posted here are sickening. Need we use the death of so many people to score points across the Atlantic?

Steve King, Dalston, London,

This couldn't have happened in the UK, where we have tight gunlaw control (apart from Dunblane,Hungerford and the regular weekend shootings in the ghetto's of Manchester and London)
If the gunman was of Asian descent, is it not possible that this was a terrorist attack, and no amount of gun control could have prevented this happening.
It will be interesting to note how the Media will play down the role of the gunmans ethnicity, in order to promote harmony between the liberal Western World, and the extremist views of certain factions of the Middle East.

Dazham, Manchester, United Kingdom

Fristly my thoughts and I hope everybody who reads this, goes to those hurt and their families.
Of course gun culture and mass ownership of guns makes tragedies like this more frequent; but it is not the bigger picture.
The real issue is the level of violence an intolerance that we allow to come into our culture; it is the us and them - "with us or against us" mentality that is responsible. So in our own way every time we hold a prejudice about someone we add to this violence - we are all partly to blame.
The Film " Higher Learning" which includes a fictional shooting at Columbus University was on HBO this morning - it has lessons to teach which we still haven't learnt. We are in on world, we are one people; seeing other people as different from us leads to hatred and death.
I just wish we could all have al ittle more compassion for each other, and also elect leaders who share these views.
My thoughts to all those hurt and their families.

Richard Hanbury, Phoenix, Arizona

As an englishman living in the VA Tech area, with a sister who attends there, I was shocked that this would happen at such a relatively prestigious and expensive university. Blacksburg is no urban a metropolis. There is undoubtedly a need for stronger gun laws in the US, although Virginia already has some of the toughest gun laws in the country with a mandatory 5 year sentence for anyone caught with an illegal weapon (licences and permits require a criminal and psychological background check). But all the legislation in the world will not prevent psychotic behaviour, nor will it rid one of the world's most geographically large nations of firearms, there are simply too many of them. There are even people who vote strictly based on candidates' position on gun control. Tragedies will happen until everyone is happy. So you can guess when that will be. The focus should be on providing support for the victims, their families, and others who were present and were traumatized.

Simeon Cooper, Radford, Virginia

It's amazing, and ignorant, how so many people here are blaming the American people as a whole for this tragic event; that it's their own fault and as though those poor kids deserved it! You should be ashamed.
It's a terrible, horrific tragedy, as all violent murderous acts around the world are.
We don't even know the whole story yet and everyone is so quick to judge, as if this is an America-only occurrence.

Do you forget that over the last 10 years there have also been school shootings in Canada, Germany, Scotland, The Netherlands, Sweden and other countries around the world?

Anyone wishing to terrorize and kill people will do so by any means necessary, gotten legally or illegally.

Laura, New York, NY US

Wow, I'm British, and I have to say how shocked I am to see this happening at your end. To think...one gunman killing over 30 people... there are laws in the USA which I find completely stupid, such as gun ownership. It's completely illegal here. If the USA followed suit with us, maybe this may have not happened.

I'm glad I'm safe in England right now. Rest in peace to those who suffered in this horiffic gunning.

Saqib Ali Rashid, Peterborough, UK

As an alumni of VA Tech, I am stunned that this could happen at a college located in one of the most gorgeous and tranquil settings that I know of. It is ridiculous that guns remain a sacred cow here in the US. Its obvious that if this can happen in small town Blacksburg, it can happen anywhere in the US. We need to take a hard look at what is important to us as Americans - Do we really need these guns made available to everyone as a "Constitutional right?" Other countries just don't have this problem - its an American problem. Our thoughts and prayers -and I hope that of the international community - are with the victims and their families. Those poor kids, so many.

Bryan, Washington, DC

We have a rising gun culture despite our strict gun laws.

Bernard Parke, GUILDFORD,

Such problems do not start from allowing people to have guns, as it is often blamed on the current US administration. Make no mistake! The neo-liberal ideas, imposed on the public, damages US public by creating psychological confusion in many minds and leading to such terrible events. It is the spoiled mind that controls the gun and not the gun itself that kills.

Alex Spak, Aberystwyth, UK

Funny when these happen in the Uk or in Europe I never see americans jumping and crying how immoral the europeans are. How ridiculous not shred of sympathy for the victims here just pure hatred for America/Americans.

Just found out it was a young Asian man, perhaps an exchange student? Asian, European immigrant perhaps?

Probably one of yours and you are just passing the blame.

JZ, Juarez, Mexico

It would be great if everyone could hold off for a bit in the inevitable effort to connect this to US foreign policy long enough for us to finish counting the bodies of our young people.

Eric Johnson, Raleigh, North Carolina

I find the attutude of many of the people who have posted here to be very sad and very weird, to say the least. What has happend is terrible...actually, beyond words, but to say that its Americas "Fault" just makes no sense at all. To attempt to blame Bush (and believe me, I am no fan) is beyond words.

The UK has some of the strictest gun laws in the world and we read almost every day of shootings (firearm offences have increased greatly since the ban on private gun ownwership), Switzerland which has one of the most open gun policies has virtualy no gun crime.

Guns do not kill people. People kill people.

Bryan (Brit Ex-Pat), Xiamen, PRC

Ultimately, if a madman wants to kill, he will. The use of a gun in this case is simply easier than contructing a bomb.
However, it must be said that certain organisations that ostensibly promote gun safety are also the ones that promote marksmanship contests and a "Gee, isn't it great to have a gun" attitude. It's the ingrained gun culture that needs to be stamped out, and not necessarily personal gun ownership (though the British stance on this tends to differ)

Stephen Gore, Liverpool, UK

Well, Well, Well,

Most of us in America are law abiding citizens. Very much like you.
We seem to have a little more freedom than you as well.
The killings at Virginia Tech were commited by an Asian student.
The bombings in London were by Muslims.
I think this is not about the gun "toting" public, but about the amount of foreigners we allow into our country.
England limits the amout of foreigners you allow in your country.
The U. S. on the other hand does not.
This was an act of terrorism.

Michael, Stafford, Virginia,

You cannot blame this atrocious act on an entire country. Terrible acts of this sort of violence have occurred all across the globe for various reasons; religion, relationships, etc. The gunman made the individual choice to obtain the firearm and commit mass murder for some reason unbeknown to officials at this time. If a gun was not readily available to the individual who is to say that an act of this magnitude would not have occurred by other means? The region surrounding Blacksburg is known for hunting. The killer more than likely obtained the gun from someone he knew that hunts for sport. With people so quick to condemn a culture of which it is not a part or does understand it would appear some of the anti-American world is more like the ignorant, uncultured America it condemns than it would believe. I for one am simply praying that the murderer is rotting in hell and that those who are suffering because of his actions can find solace.

Kristina Kivi, Arlington, VA, USA

I think that 'Bowling for Columbine' did a good job investigating the reasons in this kind of attacks. The availability of guns, unthinkable in other west countries, is an important reason, but not the only one.

I've done a search for 'virginia shooting' in YouTube. The first result is shoking, and the blue Tshirt of the kid too.

Josu, Bask Country, Spain

If the gun laws in Virginia are not changed as a result of this horrendous incident it will indeed be an inditement on the Land of the Free. Where the Bald Eagle is rapidly turning into a vulture watching over the corpses of the young.

Brian, Melbourne, Australia

What is with the knee-jerk "all-Americans-are-gun-toting-psychos-at-home-and-abroad" response everyone is brain-washed into spewing?! This is probably the work of some disturbed individual with deep-rooted mental problems, who would have become a mass murderer regardless of gun laws; someone so demented and hell-bent on destruction will find an outlet for the evil brewing inside them, whether it be a knife, a home-made bomb, a gun, whatever. Self-righteous liberal wackos will blog this thing to death saying "if guns were less available, this tragedy could have been avoided blah blah..."

What if only 1 student gets killed because a nutter scones him in the head with a brick? Is this less sad than 33 being shot with a gun? Body count is not a measure of tragedy, and banning guns will not stop this from happening again. We could ban knives, bricks, bottles, leaves, and everything else in the pursuit of the perfect nanny state. But then we'd be communists. Whoops... conspiracy unveiled.

Right-Wing Reactionary, London, UK

I'm an American who has never owned a gun, and who thinks that our gun control laws need to be significantly tightened up--although one reason that the 2nd Amendment was promulgated was not only for national defense, but also partially just in case our own government became too tyrannical and needed to be thrown over...which is not looking like a bad option right now. So all those guns in private hands might actually become a *good* thing one of these days.

And while I don't want to minimise the horror of this incident--which is truly apalling--there is a good bit of knee-jerk anti-Americanism going on in the comments here which I do find a bit irritating. I would like to point out that, despite all our firepower, it has taken us just over 11 years to surpass Thomas Hamilton's UK record for school slaughter.

Yes, these things do happen more often in America, sadly. But remember, guns don't kill people; psychos with guns kill people. Guns simply increase the efficiency of the process.

Jake, Croydon, UK

I cannot believe all the "America - This is your fault" tags I've been reading through. Not everyone here is such an avid fan of 2nd amendment rights. Many of the responses from the English readers have really disheartened me, and I wonder if anyone would be callous enough to tell you after an IRA bombing in earlier years that you had "brought this on yourself". I was saddened by the pointless violence in July of 2005, both when the tubes were bombed, and when an innocent plumber was shot dead in the tube station by the very people you allow to carry guns. I am sure that no one was venemous enough then to say "England - You brought this on yourself". I am sure that many who have written such cynical responses are critical of the current events in the Middle East. I am too, but I'm not from a country who once used their guns to conquer Africa and India, who dominated the Victorian world, and so I reserve the right to remind you who you are...and why Americans think we need our guns.

Nathan R., Tacoma, WA

The gun laws definetely need to be revised. Surely the NRA will droll out the usual PR to protect an outdated ammendment, and it is unfortunate on some levels that law abiding citizens and hunters may have more difficulty in aquiring guns. After all, home protection and game hunting are legitimate reasons for gun ownership. The saying "if you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have guns" does speak of an unfortunate truth.

However, the notion that if everyone carried guns this wouldn't have happened, at least to this magnitude, is ridiculous. Sure, as a decent citizen I'd like to believe that given the means I would have attempted to take down the shooter and help save my classmates. But let everybody carry guns and people who would normaly never consider using it would be exponentially more likely to pull it out in a moment of distress or rage after a fight with their girlfriend, boss, or some dude in a rival jersey talking smack at a football game.

Jack, Tampa, Florida

Yes, yes. It's Bush's fault, disarm the people, etc., etc. After all, look how well the British have done being disarmed. The reactions are all so predictable.

HerrMorgenholz, Dayton, OH/USA

I find it hard to believe that the main theme of the comments to this story are not about the tragedy and thoughts for those people affected, but rather how sick and immoral us bunch of crazy, gun-totin' Americans are.

Have a heart here.

Duke, Atlanta, GA

GUNS,GUNS,GUNS,GUNS,GUNS,GUNS,GUNS,GUNS,GUNS,GUNS,GUNS,GUNS,GUNS,GUNS,GUNS,GUNS,GUNS,GUNS,GUNS,GUNS.

We have more than 200,000,000 of them floating around out there.
The National Rifle Association has everybody in congress in their pocket. The genie is out of the bottle and can never be put back.

Bruce Northwood, Silver Spring, USA

I think you're all being a little quick to rush to judgment. You don't know whether the murderer's weapons were obtained legally or illegally. If they were obtained illegally, then it's not clear what more restrictive gun laws would accomplish since presumably the murderer would have been just as willing to break more restrictive gun laws to obtain his weapons.

What this does point up, however, is the growing problem of violence in American society and the world at large, and the increased disregard for human life. That could be caused by the glorification of violence in the media, the growth in secularism and the rejection of more traditional values, the availability of guns in the United States, exposure to violence in the Mideast, poverty, prejudice, the loss of a collective American identity after WWII, etc.

Some of the posters on this site reflect their ignorance and prejudice when they say America deserves the violence or try to ascribe it to a particular factor.

Steve, New York,

The American people will have to Mature and tell their Leaders that the availability of weapons has to be curtailed. This sort of thing will continue to happen as long as disturbed and violent individuals can access weapons so easily.
A disgrace to a civilized society.
Bush is a total joke.

Michael J Rigby, Chorley Lancashire, England

It saddens me to see such comments that "we" (or anyone for that matter) deserve this type of tragedy. Such self-righteous anger! My heart goes out to the young men and women whose lives were tragically cut short today.

Inga, San Francisco, U.S.A.

To Sam in the Congo,

Your perception is incorrect. Most Americans DO NOT OWN GUNS! Period. Full Stop. Most Americans do not purchase or acquire automatic weapons. Most Americans do not brandish or carry weapons. Period. Full Stop.
This is an awful tragedy. Criminals can get weapons anywhere in the world. Normal people do not go out on rampages. The person who did this -- and is now dead -- was a sick, evil person. Do not assume that the average American is gun-happy. I know I can speak for millions of Americans who do not own guns, and have no need to own guns and who want strict gun control laws. But even restrictive laws do not stop nutters from getting guns. Period. Full Stop.

Marlene Koenig, Alexandria, VA/USA

Regardless of rights and wrongs about gun laws, this is an atrocity.
My deepest sympathies go to both the family and friends of those involved.

Daniel-John Housley, Manchester, UK

Ban all guns then give the death penalty for anyone caught knowingly possesing one and things like this i pray wont happen again.

I truely feel for all the victims and realtives, sadly the truth of the matter is this is only posible with an Automatic weapon or the gunman would have been rushed reloading.

Very Very sad.

Peter, Aldershot, UK

Saying that this happened solely on the fact that people are allowed to own guns is naive. If that was the case, then massacres like this would happen every single day. Taking away guns will not keep things like this from happening, people still break the laws all the time when they want to.

And although the president has made some large errors, how many presidents haven't had issues? Blaming one solitary person for all the problems in a country is ridiculous. Who's to say that big problems would stop happening if someone else was in office? The fact is, no one knows, and if you think you could do better, then run for office.

Now is not the time to cast blame, but to pray for the families who have been involved and hope for the best.

JS, Kingsport, USA

The US Gun lobby advocating (and getting) rights to bear arms for all = what you see today. Work it out! it's not difficult. Sad but true.

Andy, Pinner, uk

To some, there seems to be 'comfort' in the fact that it is every American's constitutional right to own/carry a firearm. After a(nother) tragedy of such inexplicable proportions, just how does one justify this view?

My sympathies to all those affected by this terrible tragedy.

DS, Solihull, West Mids

People of the world like at times to view everyone in the US as gun-toting crazies. The average person here is not of the arms bearing mindset. Say we take every occasion of violence in Britain to generalize. I think myself that it is a social issue and not a gun issue.

The American preoccupation with violence in the media in general as a common solution is regrettable. Take guns away altogether and someone with the same agenda will find means in this technological age.

I wonder if per capita this kind of violence isn't common all over the western world? Get this many people together in the world and there is bound to be enough malcontents here and there to pop up unexpectedly.

The US tendency is to look at the symptom and hit it instead of dealing with the underlying causes. Until the modern world is less alienating, and cares about fitting people into a community and not just their economic value, then our search for a solution is just self-deluding salve for our guilt.

Brian, Saint Louis, MO

Mr. Danso, I suggest you clean up your own backyard...people in glass houses etc......

Viv, London, England

Thank God that it did not happen in Iraq.

Marek, London,

Some of the smug, superior views aired here are disgusting. Instead of crowing about how terrible the US is, how about some sympathy for the victims?

Natalie, Hemel Hempstead, UK

Wow, so many stupid posts by so many people. If someone is sick and wants to get a gun and kill people, they can do it. Phil in Hong Kong, you get your id tag from the Chinese gov't yet? Enjoying all those new restrictions on your liberties now? I bet you are.

Sam Danso, America is a quiet place most of the time, please don't embarrass yourself with stupid comments like that. No one wants to encourage violence in schools. What is wrong with you people?

There's a lot of Christian sympathy here. Oh wait, guess probably not, just a bunch of american haters that would rather see our kids die than offer any sympathy.

John Alvarez, Houston, Texas, USA

First of all, my thoughts are with the vicitims families. My heart goes out to them all. Secondly, I am infuriated with the President's response. I feel like the President embodies the persona of the scare crow, the lion and the tin man from the Wizard of Oz. He has no brain, no courage and no heart. I can't stand seeing this country go down in flames more than it already has. We desperately need a regime change and January 2008 can't come soon enough. What a shame. What an embarrassment.

Beth, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Well thats what happens when you give Americans guns!

Kamal, Sonoma, (Brit Expat), California/USA

This is not at all surprising to me. It is entirely America's own fault.

The country has 9.5 non-military guns to every 10 residents. The cowboys in the gun lobby maintain that "people kill people" but this seems to happen with far greater frequency in the US than in the UK where we have very tight gun laws.

If very few people have guns and those who are found to are prosecuted to the full extent of the law and punished with lengthy jail terms this kind of thing will not happen.

America, this is your constitution and your fault!

Feeling Smug, London, UK

I can not believe that some people are saying had the students and teachers been carrying guns for protection, this would not have happened. That is insane! Imagine if everyone was carrying a gun. It would have looked like a shoot-out from a bad '70s western movie. The death toll would have been significantly higher. I don't think gun ownership should be entirely banned but there needs to be serious changes in the laws. The 2nd amendment was written before there was a national military. It is no longer necessary that every person in the country form a militia.

Sam, Tampa, Florida, USA

For decades here in the U.S., the National Rifle Association (NRA) has been protecting the rights of psychos and criminals to obtain firearms. The gun nuts' response to massacres like the one today: "If only everyone had been packing a pistol, all these deaths could have been avoided". These idiots conveniently overlook the fact that gun massacres have occurred again and again in places where bystanders DID have guns available to them (University of Texas; Atlanta, GA day-trading center, etc.).

Between the laissez-faire gun nuts and the criminals who are the chief beneficiaries of the gun nuts' activism, is it any wonder the U.S. is the world leader in gun massacres?

Be The Ball, Memphis, Tenn

When do the American people realize they aren't so good as the gouverment tells them they are...... I hope next elections they don't choose a president who proclaims to be a "WAR PRESIDENT" !!!! How stupid and dumb can you be ? If there's anyone to BLAME it's YOURSELVES. You are so fixed on controlling the rest of the world because of oil and money, you're letting moral and values slip through your fingers right under your noses..... See where it gets you ! Didn't you learn anything from Columbine, Moses Lake, Bethel, Pearl etc etc..... ??? All the money you spend on guns and other weapons could also feed the entire population in Africa for years, think about it ! Money well spend isn't it ? I sincerely hope you guys come to your senses soon !!

Pim van der Heijden, Oisterwijk, The Netherlands

With all those guns in America this is bound to happen.

I am surprised it doesn't happen more. It is their own fault.

John, London, UK

In response to Mr. Danso's comment about gun access to teenagers, different states have different laws about how old you must be in order to purchase a firearm.

I think that there should be tougher gun controls here in the U.S. and tougher penalties for irresponsible gun ownership.

Also saying that America is worse than Iraq is a bit of a stretch. The Iraqis are using more than just guns to kill people over there and they are using guerilla tactics to do it.

Molly S., Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A.

The total number of dead has just risen to 31. This is absolutely unconscienable. And the first words out of our brilliant leader's gob is a statement regarding gun ownership and how he still is all for it.

Unbelievable. I hope the gun lobby is happy. Their reply, no doubt, will be that if all the students were armed, they would be able to defend themselves.

This country is a mess.

IMPEACH NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

SK, Detroit, MI, USA

And to think, they just denied the right for students and teachers at that school to carry for protection.

Gun free zone, indeed.

Dave, Reading, PA, USA

These shootings are a co-ordinated conspiracy by US government
along with the UN .

biscuit jane, oakland, usa

Why is Bush 'horrified'? This is part and parcel of American life. The gun lobby rules at home. The Department of Attack abroad.

Phil, Hong Kong,

It really makes me sad that this type of things can on one of Virginia's best campus's. I have 20 friends who attend VT, and as everyone will say no one deserves this. For someone to start shooting at a school its always premeditated. A shooting this large scale had to be months into "plotting" per say. Police officers on campus had to ignore signs of this event up coming. I'm not aware on what grounds the student was shot. Especially when a while later more shootings occurred. These shootings were either done by a large group of people with handguns or 2 - 3 people with assault rifles. In either case someone should of spotted signs of these. Maybe catching them in the planning stages wouldn't of stopped this tragedy, but I feel campus staff and police shouldn't have known more.

Michael Benet Wyche II, Manassas, U.S. Virginia

No surprise. Absolutely typical of the US. Endemic gun violence at home. Death and destruction abroad. Sick! And such a 'moral' nation too!

Phil, Hong Kong,

He hasn't been caught yet.

Bravoo Man, Emrald town, Florida

Americans want to encourage violence in schools since they cannot control guns. I think America is even worse than Iraq where there are weapons everywhere. Why give gun acces to teenagers? The drug menance is another cause. It is a pity to see blood spilling in colleges.

Sam Danso, Kinshasa, Dem. Republic of Congo