The Collegiate Times ends spring publication May 2nd. Breaking news and information are available 24/7 from collegiatetimes.com.
Full story > | List of confirmed deceased | [Video: Student perspective - Collin Smith/CT.com] |
[Video: Campus crisis - Brendan Ross/VTTV] |
[Graphic: Map of shootings] | [Gallery: Photos of the tragedy] |
[Print Edition Pages] |
[Photo Gallery: Vigil] | [Exclusive Video: Reema Samaha] | [Memorial Project] | [List of injured]
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Notice to CollegiateTimes.com readers. Tuesday, April 24th 2007 11:54PM Police searching campus CT Staff Yesterday, Virginia Tech police were reported to have been searching different sections of the campus. Of these sections, police were seen in front of Slusher Tower, Washington Street and the Litton Reeves parking lot. Canine units were seen leaving from East Eggleston toward Torgersen. There are also reports that evidence from the shooting incident could be around campus or in the dorms. It is still unsure what the police were searching for or why they are searching these areas. A press conference will be held tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. at the Inn at Virginia Tech. Students are asked to report any suspicious activities or materials to the police at 540-231-6411. Tuesday, April 24th 2007 5:10AM Car crash kills Tech student Meg Miller, CT News Reporter Virginia Tech freshman, Jeff Nielsen Santo Domingo Soriano, died in a car crash Friday afternoon after returning home to Chesapeake, Virginia. Full Story > Tuesday, April 24th 2007 4:50AM Cho’s stone goes missing Kevin Anderson, CT News Editor A stone representing Cho Seung-Hui at the victims’ memorial located on the Drillfield in front of Burruss Hall has gone missing. The stone, which was placed amongst the other 32 stones on Saturday night, attracted attention from mourners who placed flowers and letters on it. Full Story > Monday, April 23rd 2007 8:17AM Extra: Monday edition Students receive support from across community, nation > A look back > Kaine forms review panel to analyze university response > Saturday, April 21st 2007 11:58AM Column: Baseball gives Blacksburg a sense of normalcy Clark Ruhland, CT Associate Sports Editor Friday night Virginia Tech head baseball coach Pete Hughes continued to answer question after question. His team had just lost, but as he looked over into the dugout, he spotted his eldest son beginning to cry. The young batboy ran to his father's arms. Full Story > Friday, April 20th 2007 11:15PM Baseball loses by 2 Clark Ruhland, CT Associate Sports Editor Warren Schaeffer was robbed of a game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Hokie baseball team lost to Miami 11-9. The Hokies return to action Saturday at 5 p.m. for game two of a three-game series against the Hurricanes. Friday, April 20th 2007 2:15AM Tax relief from IRS The Internal Revenue Service has granted a six-month tax filling exemption that extends to all victims, their families, emergency responders and university students and employees. In order to access the extension, individuals must call 1-866-562-5227 before filing. The extension is good through Oct. 15. One group, Liberty Tax Services of Christiansburg, has offered free tax service to those qualifying for the six-month extension. Those interested may visit during the store’s off-season hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST, schedule an appointment, or contact LTS at 540-381-4270 or 540-239-7983. LTS is located at 1566 N. Franklin St. Christiansburg in the Food Lion Plaza next to the Christiansburg Recreation Center. Friday, April 20th 2007 1:40AM Weekend calendar CT Staff Friday, all day Hokie Hope, worldwide Friday, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Hokie Hangout, Old Dominion Ballroom Friday, 2 p.m. Memorial Service for Dr. Kevin P. Granata, Blacksburg Presbyterian Church Friday, 6 p.m. Relay for Life, Johnson-Miller Track Saturday, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Hokie Hangout, Old Dominion Ballroom Saturday, 5 p.m. Hokies United picnic on the Drillfield Sunday, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Hokie Hangout, Old Dominion Ballroom Thursday, April 19th 2007 3:35PM Hokies United to hold various events CT Staff Hokies United will be showing "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" tonight at 8 p.m. in Squires Colonial as a way to take students minds off the events. Hokies United will also be hosting a "Community Picnic and Reflection Gathering" on Saturday at 5 p.m. on the Drillfield. Thursday, April 19th 2007 3:34PM Exclusive: Classmate comments on Cho's personality[Full Report] Taylor Shapiro, CT Staff Writer Alison Mitchell, a senior environmental policy and planning student at Virginia Tech, was in Bob Hicok's Intro to Short Fiction class in the Spring of 2006. So was Cho Seung-Hui. In that spring a year ago she recalls there were about 20 kids in her class. The class setting was a very similiar format to other English classes at Tech, they all sat in a circle, with Hicok toward the front, closest to the chalk board, and the other students completing the ring so every person could see each other. Except for Cho, Mitchell explained. "Cho would sit as far away as possible from the rest of us," Mitchell said. "He would sit toward the back, away from Hicok." He apparently, Mitchell described, preferred his own personal space. "Cho avoided being near people," Mitchell said. "He isolated himself from everyone." Most English classes involve levels of discussion, which was the same for Hicok's class, but Cho chose not to speak. "He just sat," Mitchell said. "And looked angry all the time, a grumpy look. I could tell he was depressed." "He never spoke in front of the class, which was something that bothered Hicok," Mitchell said. Because the class sat in a large circle, Mitchell mentioned how he looked during class. "He always looked down, but there was something about his face, his expression, it's hard to explain," Mitchell said. "His eyes, they looked angry, and he almost always frowned," Mitchell said. "He sometimes had an intensity,a fierceness, like he was thinking about a lot, but it was totally inward." "It didn't look like he paid attention, he was not engaged," Mitchell said. "He moved very slowly." "I definitely thought it was creepy," Mitchell described. "I would not approach him, ever, he seemed creepy." "But he always looked unhappy," Mitchell said. "And it wasn't like a single instance, it was everyday." "It honestly seemed like he hated everything, everyone," Mitchell described. "He would sometimes glare at people while they talked." "I can remember one time he asked (Cho) a direct question in class," Mitchell said, "And he just glared at Hicok and then grunted a gutteral sound, like an 'MMM.' It was like Cho was angry at Hicok for asking, for speaking to him." However, Mitchell noted a peculiarity about the way Hicok was running the class, like Hicok was up to something. "The way class was run was everyone had to participate," Mitchell said. "I definitely made an effort, he made it clear that our grade heavily depended on our class participation." "In the first few classes, Hicok made such an effort about speaking in class," Mitchell described. "He was adament about it, that participation was really important, and it seemed to me like Hicok was aiming his speeches about class participation at Cho." "It seemed like Hicok was aware of how Cho acted in other classes,"Mitchell said. "Like the English department people had warned him." Mitchell then described how Cho would never answer questions directed to him in class by other students, which Hicok obviously observed. "After the first few classes," Mitchell said. "Hicok asked Cho to come speak to him after the period was over." "But from what I saw it looked like Hicok just talking to Cho," Mitchell said. "Cho didn't talk much, and seemed annoyed with Hicok whenever he did try to speak to him." "Hicok would regularly speak to Cho, at least once a week," Mitchell said. Occasionally, Mitchell described, Hicok would ask Cho his oppinion on something, to get him to speak. "Sometimes Hicok would say, 'Cho, do you have anything to add?' and Cho would just say 'No,' in a very deep voice," Mitchell said. However, despite his the battle with depression Mitchell said she observed, she was still surprised to learn he was the shooter. "I wouldn't have expected him to go and kill people," Mitchell said, "I was shocked, I didn't think he was violent." "I could tell he was struggling with some emotions though," Mitchell said. Not only did Mitchell know Cho, but she also knew Julia Pryde, one of his fatal victims. "I worked with Julia on a sustainable development economics project on global obesity," Mitchell said. "Julia was a pretty smart girl, who always had interesting things to say in our discussions." "It's shocking that he killed all these people," Mitchell said. "But I wasn't concerned about him beforehand." "Some people might have asked Hicok about his strange behavior," Mitchell said. "But I didn't, It didn't seem like he needed it then." Thursday, April 19th 2007 11:55AM Exclusive: Classmate comments on Cho's personality Taylor Shapiro, CT Staff Writer Alison Mitchell, a senior Environmental Policy Planning major at Virginia Tech took Introduction to Short Fiction taught by English professor Bob Hicok with Seung-Hui Cho. Mitchell has told the Collegiate Times "he always looked angry... very grumpy... and annoyed with Hicok." Bob Hicok has declined to comment on Seung-Hui Cho. The Collegiate Times will have an exclusive full report shortly. Thursday, April 19th 2007 11:01AM Students to receive choices on how to finish semester Saira Haider, CT News Editor Mark McNamee, university provost, said in a press conference this morning that students would have choices for what they want to do to finish the remainder for the semester. The university is working with the eight deans and the dean of the graduate school to develop a set of principles until the end of the semester. “We have decided among ourselves that we are going to focus on the students first.” The university will award all students who were killed in the shootings degrees for the regular commencement exercises they would have gone through with their friends. “Obviously the most important thing we are trying to focus on is the care of the families that are left here,” said Larry Hincker, university spokesperson. Thursday, April 19th 2007 10:42AM Authorities are disappointed in NBC decision to air contents of package Tim Tutt, CT Web Developer Investigators have viewed the package NBC received. Authorities have noted that they are disappointed in the editorial decision to air the contents of that package. Superintendent of the State Police department said that the package has become apart of the criminal investigation. He noted that the package shed little light on the investigation and that this only confirmed what was already known. The Superintendent also noted that the vehicle portrayed in the video was known about since the first day, but would not release any more information on it. The FBI in NY handled the recovering of the package. The main goal of authorities is to try to determine what happened and why this tragedy occurred. From this point, the authorities believe they will have very little to tell the public on a daily basis as this investigation continues. The parcel that Cho delivered to NBC was mailed at the 118 N. Main St. US Post Office. The clerk from that Post Office is working fully with the authorities but does not wish to comment in the media. Spokesperson Hinker stated that the most important thing is the care of families. Activities for students and staff here are immediately being worked on. The University Provost stated that the Administration is working with 8 College deans and the dean of the Graduate school to set a common strategy to help students with the rest of the semester. "For each course a student is enrolled in, students will be given a set of decisions to make as to how they would like to finish the semester," the Provost said. President Steger has approved to award all students who were killed Posthumous degrees for the degrees they were pursuing. Thursday, April 19th 2007 1:45AM Beamer asks community to pull together Saira Haider, CT News Editor Virginia Tech Football Coach Frank Beamer sympathized with the community yesterday, expressing the need for the campus community to stay together. “So many times I’ve talked about the football program, being in it all together,” Beamer said. “We grieve with all of the families of the victims. All of us need to get stronger together.” Beamer said that Tech’s school pride would pull people together. “If I know anything about Hokies, we will become stronger, tighter, together,” he said. Wednesday, April 18th 2007 7:58PM Updates on Cho Sharon Pritz, CT Features Editor Opening a package addressed to NBC Studios yesterday morning revealed photos, videos and an 1,800-word manifesto from Cho, Monday’s gunman. The package was postmarked at 9:01 a.m. on Monday, April 16; this time falls in between the two separate shootings. NBC may have received the package earlier had Cho not addressed it with the wrong zip code and address. “I didn't have to do this. I could have left. I could have fled. But no, I will no longer run. It's not for me. For my children, for my brothers and sisters you f***, I did it for them,” said Cho in one of the 27 videos. Forty-three photos showed Cho with guns (sometimes pointed at the camera), a knife, a hammer, bullets and in a state of rage. “You had a hundred billion chances and ways to have avoided today, but you decided to spill my blood. You forced me into a corner and gave me only one option. The decision was yours. Now you have blood on your hands that will never wash off,” Cho also said in another video. Cho also made a reference to Eric Harris and Dylan Klabold, the two Columbine shooters. Wednesday, April 18th 2007 7:40PM Colorado State experiences crisis T. Rees Shapiro, CT Staff Writer The Colorado State Rams have been mourning with the Virginia Tech Hokies, but last night at around 4 a.m., got a scary taste of the hectic response to an emergency concerning a man running rampant on a dorm. Charles Holland, who has a warrant for arrest in several states, was found on top of Edwards Hall, a resident dorm mainly for freshman on the main campus in Fort Collins, Colorado. Students in the dorm were quickly evacuated into the basement in the dorm in order to allow police on the scene to safely negotiate with the known criminal. Full Story > 
Wednesday, April 18th 2007 6:35 PMNBC releases some contents of package Cho sent Tim Tutt, CT Web Developer NBC says profilers have compared Cho with the shooters at Columbine. He expresses the "me versus the world attitude." The package contained 29 photos he took of himself. In eleven of the pictures he aims handguns at the camera. He expresses rage, and rails against hedonism and Christianity. He began working on materials at least six days before hand. He sought revenge, but did not specify against whom. Wednesday, April 18th 2007 5:59PM NBC News will release materials Tim Tutt, CT Web Developer NBC News will release materials mailed on NBC Nightly News. Wednesday, April 18th 2007 5:59PM Contents of package received by NBC Tim Tutt, CT Web Developer Accourding to MSNBC there are 23 QuickTime video files of Cho talking to the camera about his "hatred of the wealthy." The package did not contain any images of the shooting on Monday. The package had a U.S. Postal Service stamp which records a time of 9:01 a.m. eastern on Monday as when the package was received at a Virginia post office. Wednesday, April 18th 2007 5:09PM Details emerge on shooter's actions between shootings Christopher Ritter, CT Online Director The package received from NBC News is now known to have been sent in the two hour gap between the shootings. The package was sent via US Mail to NBC's New York offices. Wednesday, April 18th 2007 4:51PM Court order declares Cho "Mentally Ill" in 2005 Tim Tutt, CT Web Developer A court order in 2005 declares Cho as an "Imminent danger" to himself and others. Another court order by VA. Special Justice declares Cho as "MENTALLY ILL." Wednesday, April 18th 2007 4:43PM NBC Receives images and photos from Cho Tim Tutt, CT Web Developer NBC has received "writings and images" to NBC News in NY. There are currently no details on when or in what context. Wednesday, April 18th 2007 4:38PM Colleges to determine exam schedules Tim Tutt, CT Web Developer Colleges will make decisions on final exams based on how they best feel they should handle it. Wednesday, April 18th 2007 3:40PM Maroon and Orange Effect Day Cate Summers, CT Copy Editor College students across the country have united to declare Friday, April, 20 “Orange and Maroon Effect Day.” Students are creating groups on Facebook to announce and spread word about the day-long memorial. A student at Virginia Commonwealth University created the group, writing that the point of the group is to get everyone to wear Tech’s colors and show support. “We are all part of the Hokie Nation now, touched by their tragedy and one in their healing.” Members of the group have posted 65 photos, depicting the popular black ribbon logo in conjunction with the logos and mascots of other universities across the country, showing their support for tech students. The group has 3,080 confirmed guests and 9,474 awaiting reply. Wednesday, April 18th 2007 3:03PM Tech English department copes with tragedy T. Rees Shapiro, CT Staff Writer The English department at Virginia Tech has agreed to meet as a single group tomorrow at 11 a.m. Two professors under the direction of Carolyn Rude, head of the English department, agreed on a single statement. "We are extremely proud of the action Rude has taken," They said. "We are very supportive of her efforts. She has been specifically wonderful." "We are also very proud of Nikki (Giovanni) and that she rallied people in exactly the appropriate manner. She got all of our attention." Virginia Fowler, the director of literature and culture for the English department, and colleague of Nikki Giovanni, was also very proud of everyone's recent efforts, especially Giovanni. "Nikki's poem was amazing," Fowler said. "It was very, very powerful, and gave us forward looking imagery." "Everyone was filled with a lot of emotions, and she allowed our release of that emotion. She filled us all with such a positive energy. It was just amazing," Fowler said. One teacher specifically today, was very moved by all the shows of concern she has been receiving of support from her colleagues from around the world. And that teacher is Katherine Graham, who had Cho Seung-Hui in her Children's Literature class in the fall of 2005. "The main thing I think everyone is feeling right now is devastation," Graham said. Graham had no comment on Cho as a former student of hers. "We are all moved by the shows of concern," Graham said. "People are calling me to learn of my personal safety, to make sure I'm alright; I appreciate all of that." "Even other English departments from other Universities are posting condolences, thoughts, and prayers to us," Graham described. An organization Graham is a subscriber to, The Children's Literature Association, also offered their regrets to Graham on their website. And being an expert in Children's Lit, she understands the roles parents have to take in shaping their kids into adults. "Most people's first job is to be a parent," Graham said. "And parents send their kids away to these schools hoping that they have made the right choice, that their children will learn, and be safe. But no ever thinks it could happen here, realistically." Wednesday, April 18th 2007 12:33PM Blacksburg Transit to resume at 1 p.m. Christopher Ritter, CT Online Director Blacksburg Transit service will resume at 1 p.m. today. The BT stops at Burruss Hall, Davidson Hall, McBryde Hall, Stanger and Perry have been suspended until further notice. All BT buses will make a stop to Torgersen Hall. Wednesday, April 18th 2007 9:33AM Suspicious activity unfounded Saira Haider, CT News Editor Suspicious activity was called in this morning at around 8:30 a.m. Police immediately mobilized and responded. The incident is determined to be unfounded. "Any kind of call that comes in, we will follow up on and immediately respond on," said Corinne Gellar, Virginia State Police spokesperson. The incident was handled with caution due to the nature of the week's events. The nature of the suspicious activity is not known. It was not a bomb threat and the campus was not on lockdown. The suspicious activity was not reported. Wednesday, April 18th 2007 9:32AM Independent committee review board established T. Rees Shapiro, CT Staff Writer Governor Kaine announced today in an interview that he has appointed retired head of Virginia state police Colonel Gerald Masingale to lead an independent committee review board on an investigation of Virginia Tech's handling of 4/16's events. The idea of the committee review board came up in a conversation between Governor Kaine and Tech president Charles Steger. "Charlie has been acting as a very, very good president," Kaine said. Masingale worked for the Virginia State Police for 37 years, and Governor Kaine feels will bring a large amount of expertise to the committee board. Governor Kaine is positive the questions the students, and families of victims of the events are all relevant given the manner in which the massacre occurred. "The students are acting appropriately to the situation," Governor Kaine said. "But I know the strong sense of community spirit won't let these questions divide this student body." "This kind of event could happen anywhere," he said, "On any campus, and there has been an innocence taken away from the students." "But the positive values, and academic tradition of this university will help the community stay strong, and keep this university attracting students," Kaine said. The Governor mentioned how his son is a junior in High School and Tech was one of the Universities he was interested in. But Kaine emphasized his support of the University and said: "This is a wonderful place." Kaine noted the power of the student body, which was exemplified with the candlelight vigil organized by students of the university. "The vigil was very emotional," Kaine said. "It was a powerful thing." Today the Governor will be visiting with families and students who were in the events of 4/16. Tuesday, April 17th 2007 8:27PM Nationals show Hokie spirit Charles R. Barrineau, CT Reporter The Washington Nationals payed tribute to Virginia Tech when they took the field Tuesday by wearing VT baseball hats in a game against the Atlanta Braves. The Nats donned the Virgina Tech baseball hats when the team ran onto the field during the top of the second inning. Many players are wearing maroon hats with a white VT trimmed in orange, although some players, coaches and staff are wearing different Virginia Tech hats. Tuesday, April 17th 2007 7:58PM Students state lockdown occurred late morning T. Rees Shapiro, CT Staff Writer Students have stated that Ambler-Johnston Hall was not on lockdown until as late as 10 a.m. yesterday morning. Meredith Hawkins, a sixth floor West Ambler-Johnston resident described how the halls weren't under firm security measures until after the second shooting had occurred. "My roommate left for class at 7:45," Hawkins said, "and she left the dorm as if nothing had happened." "Nothing seemed out of the ordinary at all." Hawkins said. "The first word of any lockdown didn't happen until around 9:45 or so," Hawkins said. "But they were allowing people to leave, but if you did leave you weren't allowed back in." "It was around 10 or so, maybe even later, that they stopped letting people leaving entirely, but before then, you could just go as you please." Hawkins said. Joann Cassano, a sophomore 4th floor West Ambler-Johnston resident, confirmed the same description of the supposed lockdown of the building. "Us 4th floor people were allowed to leave around 9:10," Cassano said. Tuesday, April 17th 2007 6:54PM Press Conference confirms warrant Kevin Anderson, Saira Haider, and Tim Tutt, CT Staff At a press conference this evening at The Inn at Virginia Tech, Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, the superintendent for the State Police confirmed that a search warrant has been executed for Cho Seung-Hui's dorm room located in Harper Hall. The police are currently evaluating evidence retrieved from the scene. Police confirmed a .22 caliber handgun and a .9 millimeter handgun. Gov. Tim Kaine was also present at the press conference. The weapons found on the scene in Norris Hall have been found to have been legally purchased by Cho according to Virginia gun laws. Flaherty stated that Cho did not leave behind a suicide note. Currently the major "thrust" on the investigation is to positively identify the victims. The staff at the medical centers have been working 12-hour shifts to ensure the quality of these investigations. Kaine mentioned appointing several independent law enforcement members to do a thorough "After-Action Review." These reviews will evaluate how procedures were executed during the shootings. The governor deemed the shootings a horrible tragedy. Once he had heard word of the incidents Kaine immediately left Japan, where he had been for a two-week trade tour through Asia. He arrived back in the United States at Dulles International Airport at 11:00 a.m. The governor stated that this conference was not for political purpose, but to help comfort the families. Flaherty continued to say that there has been no comment on the person of interest from the first shooting in West Ambler-Johnston Hall. There has also been no proof or evidence of an accomplice. A rumor stating that Cho's parents had committed suicide in their home has been proven to be false. Tuesday, April 17th 2007 6:22PM Campus security stirs feelings of safety Michelle Rivera, CT News Reporter Today, whether for the security for the presence of high officials or to add a reassuring presence to a community left in a state of shock, there is an increase in security around campus. With President Bush and other high officials present for the convocation at 2p.m. , there was a swarm of state troopers and other security officers around Cassell Coliseum and Lane Stadium. "I actually just came to campus for the convocation," said Paige Barlow, graduate student for the Department of Fisheries. "I saw tons of officers all over Cassell and Lane." As she walked near the Squires Student Center to get a late lunch, she felt safe. "We're all still a little shook up, but it's nice to know that the issue is being dealt with," she said. Others agreed that the presence of high officials was at least one reason for the heightened security. "I think there are so many officers on campus today one, because the president is here and two, because of the scare of yesterday's events happening again," said De Monh, sophomore business major. "I don't think there are too many officers here today." Virginia State Troopers are present on campus streets, outside of various buildings, and near walkways across campus. "I believe it was partly for the (security of) high officials, but also for a sense of security for the students," said Debbie Wilkins, Hokie parent of two. Though many felt that the purpose of security was for the protection of high officials, others felt it was for a sense of safety for all those on campus. Sarah Sparks, senior theater major, was walking along Kent Street beside the drillfield and passed a congregation of state troopers. "I think it's a great idea that there are so many policemen on campus," Sparks said. "It makes us all feel a lot safer, and having the visual of so much security adds to our feelings of safety." Though the heightened security had the positive effect of helping students feel secure, it also made it difficult to travel around campus. "Security made it hard to get onto the grounds to get our child," said Wilkins. She however stuck to her opinion that security was a positive measure. "A lot of the kids still feel scared and insecure, and with security here, at least they know that today nothing will happen," she said. Tuesday, April 17th 2007 5:10PM Home sports events go on as scheduled this weekend John Edstrom and Gabriel Martinez, CT Web Staff Hokie sports teams will resume their home schedule as of this weekend. The lacrosse team will host the University of Maryland at noon on Saturday and the softball squad will host Maryland on Saturday and Sunday. The baseball team will host the University of Miami in a three-game series this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tuesday, April 17th 2007 4:27PM Michelle Rivera, CT Staff Writer Three patients were announced as being in stable condition. One was discharged from Montgomery Regional Hospital and two were discharged from Lewis-Gale Medical Center. 
Tuesday, April 17th 2007 2:06PMCho's classroom colleague reacts to tragedy T. Rees Shapiro, CT Staff Writer Stephanie Derry, a senior English major at Virginia Tech, was in a 3000 level Playwriting class with Cho Seung-Hui this spring semester taught by acclaimed professor Ed Falco. She described Seung-Hui's conduct in classes and how all the clues had been there, but could never imagine his bizarre behavior would ever materialize into these recent destructive events. "Cho was really, really, quiet," Derry said. "I can't even remember one word he said the entire semester." "We were in a playwriting class together, which is a workshop class, meaning you submit your plays to everyone in it and then we all review the play in class and talk about it," Derry said. "His writing, the plays, were really morbid and grotesque," Derry noted. "I remember one of them very well. It was about a son who hated his stepfather. In the play the boy threw a chain saw around, and hammers at him. But the play ended with the boy violently suffocating the father with a rice krispy treat," Derry said. "He even wrote one play about students being stalked by a teacher." Derry said. "I mean, his kind of writing was pretty peculiar, but when we asked him if he had any comments after we'd reviewed his work, he would just shrug and say nothing," Derry described. 
"We made jokes around the class about his work, because it was just so fictional, so surreal, we just had to laugh," Derry said, "We had to laugh because it couldn't ever be real or truthful, I mean who throws hammers or chainsaws around?"
"But we always joked we were just waiting for him to do something, waiting to hear about something he did," Derry said. "But when I got the call it was Cho who had done this, I started crying, bawling." "I kept having to tell myself there is no way we could have known this was coming," Derry described. "I was just so frustrated that we saw all the signs, but never thought this could happen." When asked for comment, Falco noted he was unable to comment. But his classroom participation, she noted, was absent. "He was just there," Derry said. "I can't even describe it." "He would just sit and watch us, but wouldn't say anything. It was his lack of behavior that really set him apart. He basically just kept to himself, very isolated," Derry said. His mood, Derry described, was apparitional; no emotions whatsoever. "I remember only once he smiled," Derry recalled. "But it wasn't very big." When asked whether he had physical behaviors or dressed a certain way, Derry said he always wore a maroon Virginia Tech hat, but other than that usually wore jeans and a t-shirt; nothing out of the ordinary. "When I heard the killer had been wearing a red hat," Derry said. "I immediately thought of Cho." Tuesday, April 17th 2007 1:36PM Cassell Coliseum attracts hearts of those affected Christopher Ritter, CT Online Director Cassell Coliseum is currently near capacity. Students, faculty and community members may find additional seating in Lane Stadium. Tuesday, April 17th 2007 1:35PM Virginia Tech cancels spring football game Christopher Ritter, CT Online Director Virginia Tech has canceled the remainder of the spring football season. This includes the Saturday, April 21st spring football game. Tuesday, April 17th 2007 10:49AM Press conference, this morning Saira Haider and Kevin Anderson, CT News Staff In a press conference held this morning at approximately 9:23 a.m., Virginia Tech Police identified the gunman as Cho Seung-Hui, a South Korean native and resident alien who was an undergraduate senior English major at Tech. Cho was living on campus in Harper Hall. He is considered a loner and the police have had a difficult time finding information. Virginia Tech Police Chief Wendell Flinchum said that a 9-millimeter handgun and a 22-calibur handgun were recovered from Norris Hall. Ballistic tests, conducted at the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives lab in Maryland, confirmed that one of the weapons matched the shooting in West Ambler-Johnston Hall. The person of interest in regards to the first shooting in West Ambler-Johnston was an acquaintance of the female victim and is still under questioning. He was stopped immediately following the first shooting and was detained for questioning. As he was being questioned, the Norris shootings occurred. He is not a student. The personal items of the victims were strewn all over the second floor, making it difficult for investigators to identify them, said Colonel Steve Flaherty, superintendent of the Virginia State Police. Victims were found in at least four different classrooms. The gunman was found amongst them, having taken his own life, Flaherty said. There is no evidence at this time that there was an accomplice. Investigators are exploring if anyone helped Cho at any time. There is not enough evidence to relate these events to the bomb threats. The identities of the victims have not yet been released. The process for identifying victims will be long and may take up to several days. The Collegiate Times has confirned several identities of victims. "It is a process that cannot take place in haste," Fierro said. Tuesday, April 17th 2007 9:48AM Press information released on tragedy Joe Kendall, CT Managing Editor The shooter of more than 30 people in Norris Hall has been identified as Cho Seung-Hui, a 23 year-old English major from South Korea. Though ballistics tests show that one weapon used in the Norris Hall shootings matches a the weapon used in the West Ambler Johnson shootings, Virginia Tech police chief Wendell Flinchum could not confirm that Seung-Hui was the shooter in both incidents. Tuesday, April 17th 2007 9:02AM Hospital releases status information Joe Kendall, CT Managing Editor A Montgomery Regional Hospital press conference revealed that three victims from the shootings yesterday have been upgraded from critical to stable condition. Fox News is reporting that police are investigating the possibility of the shooter being an international student.
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Monday, April 16th 2007 8:19PM Police update press on shootings Joe Kendall, CT Managing Editor Virginia Tech police chief Wendell Flinchum said that there has been a preliminary identification of the shooter in the incident that took place in Norris Hall but would not definitively state whether the shooter was the same as the one that left two dead in West Ambler Johnston Hall. Flinchum back-tracked from his statement that the description Ambler Johnson Hall shooter did not match the description of the Norris Hall shooter, leaving it unclear as to whether police were actively pursuing a second suspect in the case. Flinchum said that police were pursuing an additional "person of interest" but would give a description. Two weapons were recovered, but police were not prepared to release their make or model, Flinchum said. 
Monday, April 16th 2007 5:01PMParents are advised to call 1-540-231-3787. Monday, April 16th 2007 4:59PM Preliminary reports detail tragedy Christopher Ritter, CT Online Director According to Virginia Tech police chief Wendell Flinchum, preliminary reports have stated that the doors of Norris Hall were chained. The shooter killed himself within Norris Hall and bodies were found throughout the building. No additional persons are in custody. Monday, April 16th 2007 4:54PM Virginia Tech Police explains shooter's death Christopher Ritter, CT Online Director Police have confirmed that the shooter took his own life. Monday, April 16th 2007 4:44PM University Relations confirms death count Christopher Ritter, CT Online Director University Relations has confirmed 31 deaths at Norris Hall, in addition to two deaths at West Ambler Johnson. The identity of the shooter is currently unknown as no identification was present with the suspect. Monday, April 16th 2007 4:39PM Blacksburg Transit to run shuttle service tomorrow David Harries, CT Head Copy Editor BT busses will run between the Inn at Virginia Tech and residence halls starting at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday morning. The bus service will run through 5:00 p.m. The bus will stop at the intersection of Washington Street and Spring Road and run to the Inn. Parents should gather at the Inn at Virginia Tech determine information about their student. Monday, April 16th 2007 4:26PM A memorial will be held at 2PM in Cassell Coliseum. Monday, April 16th 2007 4:24PM President Bush remarks on tragedy David Harries, CT Head Copy Editor President Bush addressed the nation at 4:15 p.m. He spoke out against the violence that struck Virginia Tech earlier this morning. Bush said that he would be "praying for the victims and their families and all members of the university community." Bush also offered any necessary support to Tech and local law enforcement and said, "schools should be places of sanctuary and safety." Monday, April 16th 2007 2:37PM Fox News is reporting that the police have recovered two 9mm handguns. Monday, April 16th 2007 2:13PM As of now, 32 people are confirmed dead. One person from West Ambler Johnston Hall and at least 20 people from Norris Hall have been killed. The shooter as well has been killed, but it is uncertain as to whether it is a student or not. Monday, April 16th 2007 1:29PM Dining halls have been cleared to resume operations. The university is requesting that students limit movement while police continue their investigation. Counseling services will be available until 9:00 p.m. tonight in Ambler Johnston's third cross-over lounge for those who reside in West or East Ambler Johnston. General counseling will be available to the rest of the campus community at McComas Hall until 9:00 p.m. 
Monday, April 16th 2007 1:16PMMultiple fatalities result from Campus shooting Kevin Anderson and Saira Haider, CT News Staff Multiple shootings occurred on campus this morning. There have been 20 fatalities in a shooting that occurred in Norris Hall. There was one fatality in West Ambler Johnston and the other fatality was the shooter, who has not yet been identified, said Virginia Tech President Charles Steger at a press conference. The first shooting occurred at 7:15 a.m. in West Ambler Johnston. Twenty of the fatalities occurred in Norris Hall, which happened approximately two hours later. The victims have not yet been identified. Some are confirmed as students. It has not been confirmed whether or not the shooter is a student. Victims have been transported to various hospitals in the area. The victims' families will be notified as soon as the victims are identified. The Virginia Tech Police, State Police and FBI are investigating. Campus will be closed for the remainder of the day. It will reopen tomorrow at 8 a.m, but classes will be cancelled. Police are still investigating whether the two shootings are related. They are also investigating if it has any relation to the recent bomb threats on Techąs campus. The police are sure that the campus is secure but advise everyone to remain indoors. Campus traffic has been restricted; however, students are now able to leave campus if they wish. Families who wish to reunite with their students are encouraged to meet at The Inn at Virginia Tech. The best advice is to remain indoors, Steger said. "I cannot begin to convey my own personal sense of loss over the senselessness of such an incomprehensible and heinous act," Steger said. Counseling will be available in Ambler-Johnston and the Cook Counseling Center. A convocation is scheduled tomorrow at noon at Cassell Coliseum for the university to come together to begin to deal with tragedy, Steger said. Another press conference will be scheduled later this evening. The story will be updated as information is released. Monday, April 16th 2007 12:23PM Virginia Tech police have confirmed 22 fatalities resulting from the campus shootings today. The gunman has also been confirmed dead. Three people were escorted out of Norris Hall by police. The three were handcuffed, separated, questioned, unhandcuffed and then canine teams were sent into Norris Hall said junior computer engineer Nick Saunders who watched the events unfold from the the second floor of Randolph Hall. According to the university, classes have been cancelled for Tuesday, April 17. Monday, April 16th 2007 11:57AM Three people were escorted out of Norris Hall in handcuffs by police. The three were then unhandcuffed and canine teams were sent into Norris Hall. Monday, April 16th 2007 11:50AM The Associated Press has reported at least one death and seven injuries stemming from two shooting incidents on the Virginia Tech campus. Police have taken one person into custody and continue to search for another as part of routine procedure. Monday, April 16th 2007 11:36AM At this time, University Relations is reporting one individual in custody and is searching for a second shooter. The Collegiate Times will publish information as it is made available. Monday, April 16th 2007 10:36AM Due to serious wind helicopters cannot be used to transfer the injured. According to the police scanner, ambulances are being used to transport the victims to Montgomery Regional Hospital. Monday, April 16th 2007 10:32AM At this time, one death and one injury have been confirmed. More information will be made available as it breaks. Monday, April 16th 2007 10:20AM All classes are canceled. Monday, April 16th 2007 10:04AM The university is encouraging everyone to stay indoors and away from windows. West Ambler Johnston and Squires are currently on confirmed lock down. Monday, April 16th 2007 10:00AM A gunman is confirmed loose on campus. Monday, April 16th 2007 9:47AM Shots were fired on campus in West Ambler Johnson Hall in the early morning hours. The Collegiate Times is currently investigating the story. More information will be posted as it is made available. Notice to all readers Notice: The CollegiateTimes has removed many of its normal features and is running on multiple servers to support the huge numbers of readers relying on us. Our news feeds are currently hosted by CollegeMedia.com, the website of our parent company. Both the CollegiateTimes.com and CollegeMedia.com are hosted by ServInt, who has graciously provided us with free emergency bandwidth and technical support to adapt to network conditions. Additional bandwidth for multimedia and images is being provided for free by www.hosting.vt.edu and by College Publisher. Copyright Collegiate Times, 2007. The Collegiate Times, is a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, which was established in 1903 by and for the students at Virginia Tech. Material published on collegiatetimes.com is the property thereof, and may not be reprinted without express written consent of the Collegiate Times. |
![[Graphic: Map of shootings]](http://www.collegemedia.com/map.jpg){kind=link}