[FreeTheHostages]

Fun fact for those posting from outside our region:

drive-by shootings happen a lot. you might assume it has to be connected because that's such an unusual crime if you lived in a normal part of the world, but here in the DC-area, the fact that it's a drive-by shooting doesn't, in itself, connect it.

we shall wait and see

[Skywalk]

I've heard a few posters suggesting that gang-bangers were pulling drive-bys, which I think is preposterous. Gangs in their Crip/Blood incarnation have moved East, but they are still not strong enough outside SE DC to pin all violence on them. Much is made of initation in gangs consisting of murdering an innocent person, and while this DOES occur, it is quite rare compared to initiation by beat-down or by robbing. Gang intiation almost NEVER means several people are killed, sniper style.

Another important thing, the people being hit are not gang-members or even affiliated. And despite being cold-blooded, gangsters would leave tracks or opened their mouths by now.

I think these are the work of some determined killer, but uncertain am I regarding the Al-Qaeda/Terrorist sympathizer angle.

[js1138]

We have drive byes also, but ususally drug-related, done from close range with handguns. If this is a couple of loose nut thrill killers, they've been practicing and planning.

[xm177e2]

But would an ordinary criminal engage in a drive-by at a time like this? When the police are out in full force?