By Lovisa Frost
White House Gaggle April 17, 2007 By Lovisa Frost President's Schedule The President had his normal briefings at 8 am. This morning, the President has directed flags to be flown at half staff, lasting through Sunday at sunset.

The President and Mrs. Bush will travel to Blacksburg, VA for the 2 pm convocation at Virginia Tech. He will make brief remarks for about 5-6 minutes. Following the convocation, the President will do three interview; Brian Williams of NBC News, Charlie Gibson of ABC News, and Katie Couric of CBS News. Today's midday briefing has been canceled. Virginia Tech Shooting When asked if the President's remarks today, Perino replied that the President and Mrs. Bush will go to Virginia Tech as representatives of the entire nation, and express the sympathy, the support and the prayers of the country. President Bush will also talk about the amazing strength of the community. Perino stated that the Department of Justice is committed to providing every available federal resource to assist in law enforcement at the aftermath of the shooting and in the investigations. There is also federal assistance going investigators on site, and federal resources for crime scenes assistance, counseling and support for the victims of the attack. 15 agents from the FBI and 12 agents from AFT are working with Virginia State Police, Blacksburg Police, and Virginia Tech police. The FBI's Office of Victims Assistance (OVA) is also available. Secretary Spelling has reached out to the school, and directed more questions on that to the Department of Education. "This has been a tragedy that was felt around the world, and the President and Mrs. Bush are very grateful for the heads of states and other members of governments from around the world, that have expressed their sympathy and support," Perino said, and continued: "That is one of those things that is so great about humanity, that it really comes out at a time of tragedy like this". When asked about any changes in gun control and any changes that the President believes are needed, Perino replied that there is going to be, and has been an on-going discussion, about gun control policies. The White House will be participating in this conversation; however, today is a day to focus on families, the school, and the community. Perino said that everyone has been shaken to the core by this event, and that the focus should be on support for the victims and their families, as well as allowing the fact of the case to unfold, before talking more about policies. School Violence Summit Perino was asked about the October 2006, School Violence Summit that the President and Secretary Spellings hosted, and if there have been any changes since, and she replied that she was looking for an email about the updates of it this morning, and will get back with more information.