[Jigsaw John]

Suicide bombers attract attention in order to take out as many people as possible when they detonate their bomb.

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?

[brytlea]

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

[TaxRelief]

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?

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.