5 Red Flags Of The Virginia Tech Shooter

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The Virginia Tech shooting, which occurred on April 16, 2007, was one of the deadliest mass shootings in modern U.S. history. Seung-Hui Cho, a senior at Virginia Tech, shot and killed 32 people and injured 17 others before taking his own life. In the aftermath of the tragedy, many questions were raised about how such a horrific event could have occurred, and what red flags may have been missed.

In the years since the shooting, numerous investigations and reports have been conducted to identify the warning signs that may have indicated Cho's violent intentions. While it is impossible to know for certain what drove Cho to commit such a heinous act, there were several red flags that, in hindsight, may have suggested he was capable of such violence.

1. Disturbing Writings and Creative Works

Cho's creative writings and plays, which were discovered after the shooting, revealed a disturbing fascination with violence, death, and revenge. In one play, he wrote about a character who kills his stepfather and then takes his own life. In another, he described a character who shoots and kills his classmates. These writings, which were submitted as part of his coursework, were seen by some as a cry for help, while others viewed them as simply disturbing.

2. Social Isolation and Withdrawal

Cho was known to be socially isolated and withdrawn, with few friends and limited interactions with his classmates and professors. He was often described as being quiet and reserved, and some reported that he seemed to be struggling with his own emotions and thoughts. This social isolation, combined with his fascination with violence and death, may have been a warning sign that something was amiss.

3. Harassment and Stalking

Cho was accused of harassing and stalking two female classmates, with one reporting that he had been following her and sending her disturbing messages. These incidents, which were reported to campus authorities, may have been a warning sign that Cho was capable of violent behavior.

4. Mental Health Concerns

Cho's mental health was a concern for some of his professors and classmates, who reported that he seemed to be struggling with anxiety and depression. While he was never formally diagnosed with a mental health condition, his behavior and writings suggested that he may have been struggling with some form of mental illness.

5. Access to Firearms

Cho's ability to purchase firearms, despite his history of mental health concerns and disturbing behavior, was a red flag that was missed by authorities. At the time, Virginia law did not require background checks for handgun purchases, and Cho was able to buy two handguns without difficulty.

In the years since the Virginia Tech shooting, there have been numerous efforts to improve mental health support and reduce gun violence on college campuses. While it is impossible to know for certain what drove Cho to commit such a horrific act, it is clear that there were several red flags that, in hindsight, may have suggested he was capable of such violence.