Embassy Press Release

STATEMENT BY U.S. AMBASSADOR NICHOLAS F. TAUBMAN ON THE DEATH OF PROF. LIBRESCU

I was terribly saddened to learn today of the tragic death of Prof. Liviu Librescu, born and educated in Romania, and a professor of engineering science and mechanics at the Virginia Polytechnic University in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Professor Librescu was a leading figure in his field, and a true symbol of the strong connections between our two countries. In 2000, he was honored to receive an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, the Polytechnic University of Bucharest. Prof. Librescu touched the lives of many young people over the years – and reports suggest that he gave up his own life yesterday while trying to protect students in his class from an attacker.

I want to thank Romanians for their expressions of support and concern in the wake of yesterday’s terrible event in my home state. As a Virginian and as an American, I too have been shocked and moved by the senseless nature of this act. Our thoughts go out to the families who have lost their loved ones, and to Virginia Tech University and the community of Blacksburg.

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