9:25 a.m.

A VTPD police captain joins the Virginia Tech Policy Group as police liaison and provides updates as information becomes available.


9:24 a.m.

A Montgomery County deputy sheriff initiates a traffic stop of Hilscher’s boyfriend, Karl Thornhill, off campus in his pickup truck. Detectives are sent to assist with the questioning.


9:15 - 9:30 a.m.

Cho is seen outside and then inside Norris Hall. He chains the doors shut on the three main entrances from the inside. No one reports seeing him do this.


9:15 a.m.

Both police ERTs are positioned at the BPD (next door to campus) in anticipation of executing search warrants or making an arrest.


9:05 a.m.

Classes begin for the second period across campus, including in Norris Hall.


9:01 a.m.

Cho mails a package from the Blacksburg post office to NBC News in New York that contains pictures of himself holding weapons, an 1,800-word rambling diatribe and video clips in which he expresses rage, resentment and a desire to get even with oppressors. He alludes to a coming massacre. Cho prepared this material in the previous weeks. The videos are a performance of the enclosed writings. Cho also mails a letter to the English department attacking Professor Carl Bean, with whom he previously argued.


9:00 a.m.

The Policy Group is briefed on the latest events in the ongoing dormitory homicide investigation by the VTPD.


8:52 a.m.

Public schools in Blacksburg lock their outer doors upon hearing of the incident at WAJ from their security chief, who had heard of the incident on police radio.


8:25 a.m.

The Virginia Tech Policy Group meets to plan on how to notify students of the homicides.


8:20 a.m.

A person fitting Cho’s description is seen near the Duck Pond on campus.