NEW YORK (AP) - NBC is defending its decision to use the video it received from the gunman at Virginia Tech. But, amid a growing backlash, it's promising to limit how much it shows in the future.

A statement from the network says it covered the shooting deaths of 32 people and its "unique role" in the story with "extreme sensitivity."

But after the footage was shown, some upset family members of victims canceled interview appearances on the "Today" show.

"Today" host Matt Lauer said this morning that NBC and its MSNBC cable outlet will "severely limit" the use of the pictures.

Police in Virginia also criticized the network for what it showed.

Other networks have also pledged to limit how much the footage is shown, and Fox News says it will no longer air the material because "sometimes you change your mind."

Former classmates say Va. Tech gunman was picked on in school

Former classmates say the man who carried out the massacre at Virginia Tech on Monday had endured years of bullying at school as a teenager.

They say Cho had a difficult time in school. They say he was pushed around and laughed at over his shyness and the strange way he talked.

One fellow high school graduate says Cho almost never opened his mouth and would ignore attempts to strike up a conversation. He says once in English class, students laughed at Cho as he read, telling him to "Go back to China."

Another graduate says friends of hers who went to middle school with Cho recalled he was picked on. She says the friends told her that people were really mean to Cho, pushing him down and laughing at him.

Among the victims of the massacre were two graduates of his high school who were a few years behind him. Police say it is not clear whether Cho singled them out.

Nine remain hospitalized after Virginia Tech shootings

Nine people hurt in Monday's shooting at Virginia Tech remain hospitalized. At least one is in serious condition.

The head of Montgomery Regional Hospital in Blacksburg says the shooting victims at his facility are progressing well. He says all are in stable condition. And one surgeon says "things appear to be headed in the right direction."

The hospital official says the students are "really working hard to recover." He says "they don't want to be beaten in this."

Online gun dealer says he sold one of the weapons used in the Virginia Tech shootings

A Wisconsin based Internet gun seller says he feels "absolutely terrible" that his company sold one of two weapons owned by the gunman in the Virginia Tech shooting.

Eric Thompson, owner of the Green Bay-based Web site gunsource.com, says Chobought a 22-caliber handgun for a little more than 267-dollars in early February.

Thompson says he was contacted by A-T-F agents on Tuesday. He adds that knowing that he sold the pistol is "quite possibly the worst nightmare."

Cho had the gun mailed to a Blacksburg, Virginia, pawn broker where he picked it up on February 9th.

Va. Tech awarding degrees to shooting victims

A touching remembrance for the students killed at Virginia Tech this week.

University officials say the students that died in the shooting rampage will be awarded posthumous degrees during commencement.

Ceremonies are set for May 11th.

Officials say other students might have the option of ending their semester immediately.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)