New Mexico leaders comment on Virginia massacre

New Mexico’s top politicians expressed shock and sadness today over a massacre in Virginia that left 33 people dead.

In case you haven’t heard, the shooting at Virginia Tech University is what the Associated Press is calling “the deadliest shooting rampage in U.S. history.” A gunman killed two people in a dormitory this morning before, two hours later, killing 30 more in a classroom and then committing suicide.

“On behalf of all New Mexicans, Barbara and I extend our condolences to the families of the victims whose lives were cut short by this horrific tragedy,” Gov. Bill Richardson said in a prepared statement. “This is a sad day and our hearts go out to the Virginia Tech community as it grieves this loss.”

Richardson ordered a review of safety measures at the state’s universities and colleges and the creation of a safety task force to make recommendations for improvements.

U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici also expressed sadness.

“I am shocked and saddened by the horrendous mass murder at Virginia Tech. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families,” Domenici said in a prepared statement. “Such terrible crimes touch us all and this awful tragedy must be thoroughly examined so that we can learn from it.”