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Panel: Va. Tech Failed to Respond to Cho Warning Signs
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Though federal law technically also prohibited Cho from purchasing the 400 rounds of ammunition used in the assault, no background checks for such purchases are required.
"Cho was not legally authorized to purchase his firearms, but was easily able to do so," the report stated.
What we still don't know
Despite its breadth and specificity, some pretty big questions remain. Among them: why Cho targeted West Ambler Johnston and Norris halls, and why he picked that day for the massacre?
"Cho's motives for the WAJ or Norris Hall shootings are unknown to the police or the panel," the report says. "Cho's writings and videotaped pronouncements do not explain why he struck when and where he did."
The report speculates that the first shootings may have been "practice" for what came next; Cho also could have been trying to create a diversion, although in actuality he succeeded in drawing more police to campus before beginning his second attack.
Another mystery is how Cho got into West Ambler Johnston Hall to commit the double homicide. Although he lived in another dorm, his mailbox was located in the lobby of West Ambler Johnston, so his student pass card would unlock the door -- but only after 7:30 a.m.
Cho entered the building somewhat earlier than that, in time to shoot Emily Hilscher and Ryan Clark about 7:15. The report speculates that Cho may have been let into the building by a student who was exiting or entering, but not student interviewed by the panel "remembers having done so, or admits it."
Even though Cho's shoes and clothing were bloodied, and he left a trail of bloodied footprints, no one remembers seeing him leave the dorm after the shootings, either.
