two23: I think you are exactly right. The sniper does not have to operate under any of the usual rules for a sniper. He is not constrained to trying for high value targets or even specific targets. It is essentially a free fire zone for him and he can pick and choose whatever works best for his own survival.
the gillman@blacklagoon.com: I hadn't thought of a decoy vehicle but I tend to doubt it. It violates the most important operational rule this killer has used KISS. Coordinating two vehicles is probably more trouble than it is worth.
SauronOfMordor: I agree that a .30 cal weapon would be more likely to lead to discovery. I tend to think of that as another arguement in favor of a terrorist rather than a nut. A nut would be more interested in killing, a terrorist in causing terror.
All: I think the question of two people or one is significant in answering whether we are dealing with the mentally deranged or a terrorist action. I know of several examples of nuts who were highly organized when commiting there crimes (i.e. unambomber, citizen X in the old soviet union, etc.) I am unaware of any multi person nut killings that display a similiar concern for escape. Usually the pattern is to go out in a blaze of glory. When two or more people are involved and planning is evident. You are usually looking at rational people with a clear motive. Gang and Mafia killings are the only examples that come to mind. These are usually planned so that the perps can get away.
That's what I posted earlier; I don't believe the perp(s) will be taken alive...they may opt for "suicide-by-cop" or do it themselves (like Columbine). We all try to rationalize the insane because we really have a hard time accepting this kind of horror. The best we can do is protect our kids when they are young and make sure they are taught how to protect themselves (and their 2nd Amendment rights) as adults.