Why would they want to attract attention to themselves prior to executing their mission? Why not just walk quietly into a crowded area and execute?
I understand what you're saying, but its' foolish in all situations to assume that all bombers are exactly like what we have seen in the past, or that they're making 100% rational decisions.
susie
If the mission is to target is law enforcement, public officials and military--the tough guys--, attracting attention is standard m.o. Some suicide bombers are assigned to terrorize civilians: They walk into crowds and detonate.
Again, the air marshall had no way of knowing this was not an ARMED terrorist.