US sniper may be linked to Bin Laden (DC SNIPER ALERT)

The Evening Standard ^ | October 14, 2002 | James Langton

[MadIvan]

Intelligence experts in Washington are increasingly concerned that the gunman known as the "psycho-sniper" could be a terrorist with links to Islamic terror groups.

From the evidence gathered so far, which includes a handwritten note by the gunman, investigators think English may not be his first language.

The shootings, which have left eight dead in fewer than 12 days, coincided with a warning that Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network is planning new attacks. The FBI warned last Wednesday that supporters of Bin Laden were "targeting key sectors of the US economy" and has long suspected that a number of "sleeper" cells are still active.

The latest victim, on Friday morning, was father-of-six Kenneth Bridges, gunned down at a petrol station in Fredericksburg.

Investigators are troubled by the gunman's behaviour, in particular his habit of selecting targets at random. Recent reports suggest he may have a female accomplice and drives a large white van.

[MadIvan]

The "I am God" note indicates that the sniper either thinks he is like God in killing indiscriminately or doing the will of God by killing Americans. This does make sense however. I will post updates as I get them.

Regards, Ivan

[MadIvan]

Bump!

[anniegetyourgun]

Yes, but a devout Muslim would have nothing to do with Tarot. I just can't buy this scenario, even though I would prefer to think that we don't have a case of an American killing his fellow Americans.

[NordP]

I posted this a couple of days ago, on another thread...

Hubby is ex-cop and a "words matter" guy. He came up with giving attention to the beginning of the sniper's note: "Dear Policeman."

1) When you learn another language, you always learn the more formal ways of speech, rather than the slangs, first. "Dear" and "Policeman" definitely fall into these more formal references.

Also,

2) "PoliceMAN" - who (especially if the profilers believe that this person(s) are aged 20 - 30 still uses THAT reference... and speaks in the totally non-P.C. "man" reference, rather than "Officer?"

And,

3) I would like to add that perhaps thought should be given to the majority of the shootings happening around "oil" supplies...gas...hmm...now let's see, who has the oil, and who buys the oil.

I think these three points are valuable.

[MadIvan]

Yes, but a devout Muslim would have nothing to do with Tarot

As I understand it, the "Death" card was chosen. I don't know if there is a specific religious prohibition in using Tarot cards to send messages. I would suggest the prohibition exists on using the Tarot cards to predict the future.

Regards, Ivan

[thedugal]

Guess the Brits didn't get the memo. You aren't allowed to use the "T" word.

[BullDog108]

Just like a devout Muslim would have nothing to do with strip clubs and lap dancers like the 911 hijackers visited the night before, eh?

[prisoner6]

Yes, but a devout Muslim would have nothing to do with Tarot

I thought Tarot had roots in islam, or at least the arab world.

prisoner6

[thedugal]

Yes, but a devout Muslim would have nothing to do with Tarot

Nor would a devout Muslim patronize an infidel strip club. But that didn't stop Muhammed Atta.

[The Raven]

There goes my theory that the sniper is Sen. Dashle.

[Arthur Wildfire! March]

TY for your concern and the post.

[anniegetyourgun]

I realize they are inconsistent in their faith, and I also realize they are in league with the devil. However, I am not convinced this is anything but a whack-job thrill killer who is addicted to his 'sport.'

[AmericanVictory]

As with the anthrax and the Nile fever, it is a terrific asymmetric horror weapon. If it is not a Muslim fanatic, it gives them a good idea. The use of the Tarot card may be a clever ruse to make it look like a Son-of-Sam type nut in order to throw investigators off the scent.

[Arthur Wildfire! March]

There goes my theory that the sniper is Sen. Dasshole.

Lantos, perhaps?

[AmericanVictory]

When our "leaders" have sense enough to take the oil weapon away and this kind of thing stops, we will not know for usre.

[Arthur Wildfire! March]

The Torat card could also be a message to other Al Quaeda.

[anniegetyourgun]

I guess I'm just not convinced. Who are these "experts" mentioned in the article? And why would we assume something poorly written (childlike) can't be a graduate (or one of the many drop outs) of our own lousy government schools?

[Revelation 911]

a devout muslim would also not hang out in the nudie bars like the jerks in fla did

[Revelation 911]

just saw your post after posting same - great minds think alike

[EnquiringMind]

No kidding! I never did buy the "nut" theory...these killings are too businesslike.