Excerpts From Va. Tech Review Panel Report

The following are excerpts from the report of the Virginia Tech Review Panel appointed by Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine. To see the full report, click here.

On Mental Health

"Cho exhibited signs of mental health problems during his childhood. His middle and high schools responded well to these signs and, with his parents' involvement, provided services to address his issues. He also received private psychiatric treatment and counseling . . . .

"During Cho's junior year at Virginia Tech, numerous incidents occurred that were clear warnings of mental instability. Although various individuals and departments within the university knew about each of these incidents, the university did not intervene effectively. No one knew all the information and no one connected all the dots."

"University officials . . . explained their failures to communicate with one another or with Cho's parents by noting their belief that such communications are prohibited by the federal laws governing the privacy of health and education records. In reality, federal laws and their state counterparts afford ample leeway to share information in potentially dangerous situations."

"The Cook Counseling Center and the university's Care Team failed to provide needed support and services to Cho during a period in late 2005 and early 2006. The system failed for lack of resources, incorrect interpretation of privacy laws, and passivity. Records of Cho's minimal treatment at Virginia Tech's Cook counseling Center are missing."

"Virginia's mental health laws are flawed and services for mental health users are inadequate. . . . The involuntary commitment process is challenged by unrealistic time constraints, lack of critical psychiatric data and collateral information, and barriers (perceived or real) to open communications among key professionals."

"There is widespread confusion about what federal and state privacy laws allow. Also, the federal laws governing records of health care provided in educational settings are not entirely compatible with those governing other health records."

On Police/Emergency Response to the Shootings

"Virginia Tech police may have erred in prematurely concluding that their initial lead in the double homicide [at West Ambler Johnston Hall] was a good one, or at least in conveying that impression to university officials while continuing their investigation. They did not take sufficient action to deal with what might happen if the initial lead proved erroneous . . . The VTPD erred in not requesting that the Policy Group issue a campus-wide notification that two persons had been killed and that all students and staff should be cautious and alert."

"The police response at Norris Hall was prompt and effective, as was triage and evacuation of the wounded. Evacuation of others in the building could have been implemented with more care."

"Emergency medical care immediately following the shootings was provided very effectively and timely both onsite and at the hospitals, although providers from different agencies had some difficulty communicating with one another. Communication of accurate information to hospitals standing by to receive the wounded and injured was somewhat deficient early on. An emergency operations center at Virginia Tech could have improved communications."

On Cho's Motive

"Cho's motives for the WAJ or Norris Hall shootings are unknown to the police or the panel. Cho's writings and videotaped pronouncements do not explain why he struck when and where he did."

On Cho's Family

The panel interviewed Cho's parents and sister for three hours. "They expressed heartfelt remorse, and they apologized to the families whose spouse, son, or daughter was murdered or injured. The Cho's have said that they will mourn, until the day they die, the deaths and injuries of those who suffered at the hands of their son . . .