Maybe he/they were receiving direction in their ear protection.
That is the second thought/idea that went through my old mind.
My first thought was Gibb’s Rule #39, there are no coincidences at this level.
Two separate attackers in separate places using ear protection devices in the same time period.
Remember the navy yard shooter back when O was in office. He said he was hearing radio signals? Maybe that is why the ear gear is used now.