The gunman in the shooting rampage at Virginia Tech had been in contact with campus police in late 2005 after complaints from women students he was annoying them, and was sent to a mental health facility because of worries he was suicidal, police said today.
Police were giving more details about the gunman they identified yesterday as responsible for Monday's shooting. South Korean-born Cho Seung-Hui killed 32 people and then himself in the worst shooting rampage in modern US history.
Cho Seung-Hui
The 23-year-old was believed to be taking medication for depression and was becoming increasingly violent, erratic and left a note in his dormitory in which he railed against "rich kids", "debauchery" and "deceitful charlatans" on campus, reports stated.
The letter, several pages long, is said to explain his actions and said: "You caused me to do this," according to US broadcaster ABC.
Police said there was no evidence of a suicide note and revealed they removed mostly documents following a search of his dorm room.
"He was a loner, and we're having difficulty finding information about him," school spokesman Larry Hincker said.
Cho, who lived in South Korea until 1992, legally bought a a Glock 19 handgun and a box of ammunition, handing over $285 at a Virginia gun shop five weeks ago. It was one of two guns found with Cho's fingerprints. The serial number had been scratched off, but was traced using a receipt from his backpack.
Grieving relatives, friends and survivors were told yesterday by US President George Bush that their loved ones "did nothing to deserve their fate".
Mr Bush, who attended a service at the university yesterday, said the victims shot dead were "simply in the wrong place at the wrong time" and left behind a "grieving nation".
Speculation is rife that Cho acted after a row with girlfriend Emily Hilscher, 18. The animal science student is believed to have been the first to die at her dormitory in West Ambler Johnston Residence Hall.
Her neighbour, biology and English student Ryan Clark, 22, was also killed. Two hours later, Cho went on to attack staff and students at a separate university building, Norris Hall, half a mile away, leaving a further 30 victims.
One posting by a friend on a page dedicated to Miss Hilscher on internet site Facebook said: "I'm sorry that she ever got involved with this guy."
Virginia Tech president Charles Steger said classes were cancelled for the rest of the week and Norris Hall would not be reopened this term.
He said counsellors were available around the clock to help students and staff come to terms with the tragedy.
A vigil was held at the university overnight for the second night running.