Hate to be a broken record, but any possible question you'd have about the guy is answered in his Manifesto; I realize 1,500 pages are hard to go through (and the US media is ignoring it in favor of his almost content-free Facebook and Twitter pages.)
The answer: He's a smart guy who planned this for years, did a lot of research, and practiced a lot.
Sort of like the Unabomber?
That’s essentially contradictory. You don’t acquire these skills just by reading books and surfing the web. He put together sophisticated, chain reaction devices which were extremely powerful. If he planned and practiced for years, someone else has to at least know about this guy’s “hobby.” Someone advised him along the way about points that he couldn’t clarify just by reading books.
No way this guy pulled this off on his own without any help or advice along the way in the planning and preparation process, possibly even the execution phase.
Not buying it. I don’t care what the internet screed says.
Thank you for stating that this fellow is smart. I have yet to see anything he's written indicating he's insane. People do bad things and are not insane. But this guy was no lamebrain by any means.
I am fast believing that this guy knew exactly what he was doing and in every detail what he hoped the expected outcome might be. I also believe he was intent on being heard worldwide and knew this atrosity would bring that to him.
He did not fire at the helicopters overhead....which indicates he was seeking an audiance.