Bush offers condolences to NIU community

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush sent condolences Friday to the community of Northern Illinois University, where a gunman killed six people before killing himself.

"This morning I spoke to the president of Northern Illinois University," Bush said. "I told the president that a lot of folks today would be praying for the families of the victims and for the Northern Illinois University community."

The man, armed with a shotgun and two handguns, walked into a lecture auditorium Thursday afternoon and opened fire. Six people died and 15 others were injured, some critically. Officials said they don't know what prompted the assault by the man, who turned a gun on himself.

"Obviously a tragic situation on that campus, and I ask our fellow citizens to offer their blessings -- blessings of comfort and blessings of strength," Bush said.