I am a little late getting in on this topic, I live here in VA and have visited VA tec many times. There are still a few local kids from my are going to VA tec that have not been heard from yet, scary felling. So please add a few prayers in for them tonight.
On to the concealed handguns thing, here in VA you can obtain a concealed handguns permit. I hold one, Have to get certified thru a NRA approved training course and complete FBI back ground check but not hard to get. ANyone can also legaly cary a handgun in this state on your sidearm as long as it is NOT concealed and holstered without a permit. There are a few catches to carrying a firearm with or with out a permit, You CAN NOT carry into any place that sells alchol which is every conveniant store in the state, You CAN NOT carry within a school zone, you CAN NOT carry in any federal or state building like court house, post office ect.