[palmer]

You're right about the timing. It is perfect for publicity. Plus the area is directly between two other shootings (per WTOP radio).

[billclintonwillrotinhell]

The timing of this shooting may have more to do with escape than with media. If this is the sniper, I think this is the earliest morning shooting we've had. He might've placed one last call in Virginia and then raced up to Montgomery County, figuring the police, military planes and potential victims wouldn't be expecting him back in Maryland so soon.