Maryland Sniper Shootings Update Thread

CNN, Fox, Local Radio and Television | October 8, 2002 | CNN, Fox, Breaking News

[Peach]

It's 6:30 a.m. EST and we're waiting to go to the second press conference providing media and local updates on the Maryland sniper shootings. To date, the 13 year old boy has survived the evening and seems to be improving. Fox News mentioned that his aunt is a nurse. The police briefing at 6:15 a.m. mentioned Todd Beamer's Let's Roll comment and police are urging people to use caution, good judgment, but remain strong and try to continue with everyday life as much as possible.

Police had a search warrant last night (didn't say for who or where) related to the sniper shootings, but the search did not provide any information to LEO.

[freeperfromnj]

Glad to see that someone else thinks this is more likely a simple wack-job or two and not some terrorist scheme.

There is something about this case that I just feel but can't put my finger on. As vicious and ruthless as we've seen some of our very own homegrown lone killers can be, I just don't see one gunning down an innocent mom, or child or elderly man. It just doesn't fit. We've seen it happen time and again in Israel and we know that islamic terrorists specifically train for this. I have posted it a couple of times on other threads and I will mention it again for the sake of argument because it did have an impact on me the first time I read it -- what they found at the alleged Alabama training camp. Mannequins of men, women and children dripping with blood, school buses and police cars riddled with bullet holes -- they were horrible scenes of ordinary people gunned down just like in this case.

[browardchad]

In no way, shape or form does this resemble terrorist attacks.

Whether or not this is terrorism, it is alarming how the so-called "experts" resist thinking outside the box, while clinging fiercely to pre-conceived theories. Carl Cameron on Fox last night reported on the thinking of the Feds in these shootings. He said some officials at the DOJ are concerned that those in charge seem to be ruling out the possibility of terrorism, then went on to say that people from Homeland Security more or less echoed your sentiments: no one taking credit means no terrorism.

This morning Fox had some criminology professor on who was not very eloquent, but his point seemed to be that we can't rule anything out, including terrorism, because there's not enough information to rule anything out. They quickly shuffled him off the air, since that wasn't provocative enough for television, but it's the most honest opinion I've heard so far.

[OReilly]

Were the arrests completely secret? Or did they have any inkling that they were coming?

Moose said today before you'al (newspeople) got setup around here for the press conferences, I thought we would have someone in custody.

Someone asked are you talking about earlier today or earlier last week? Last week, he said.

[Peach]

I thought I heard something on tv, too - think there was even a thread about two Hispanic looking men as suspects, but just don't remember. Know what you mean about WND - very borderline.

[Dead Dog]

The LEOs are at a distinct disadvantage in this situation. What needs to happen is for citizens to organize somewhat, and just observe areas that would be likely targets. I silent Freep in a sense. Every Mall, Strip Mall, Church, school, ect needs to have it's members state the place out. All they need to do is sit in a inconspicuous car and wait hour upon boring hour (preferably with tinted windows and multiple camcorders).

It would simply be a silent freep. All they have to do is be there to collect data when the next hit happens. They don't need to attempt a citizens arrest, engage in highspeed chaises, or anything else stupid. As much fun as it would be to drag dead towlies around behind your '76 Suburban with .30 cal wounds to the chest and knee (oopsie, flinched instead of squeeezed) in a morbid parade for the international press, the citizens would only need to serve as a tripwire for Law Enforcement.

This situation is the reason the founding fathers protected the viability of a Militia.

[GirlNextDoor]

Trying to stay distracted with my usual distraction - FR - but my mind stopped working well about an hour ago.

I'm so sorry. Thank you for the thought and for taking the time to put up this thread. I hope it helps some.:-)

[iconoclast]

but terrorism nonetheless

The word terrorism has a kinda special meaning these days and, unfortunately, will for a while.

[twigs]

Doctoral Thesis was analyzing the success of the Iris Project (that is the program that intervenes and substitutes for parents)

Thanks for the info. Sounds like he has another agenda. I do find the fact that he comes from Portland, where the sleeper cell was arrested last week, is interesting. And maybe significant.

[Peach]

Thanks. I keep walking around shaking my head that it can't be possible. But FR is keeping me somewhat occupied.

[OReilly]

Let me ask again, did anyone hear the question that Moose responded to by saying, "I'll have to talk to you after the conference because I don't know where you are going with your question?

[ET(end tyranny)]

I don't trust the UN by any means.

I suppose we can find the devil around any corner if we look long enough and hard enough. And I used those words because I have seen them used at others often enough. The point being that everyone has their own 'secret fear' of something being deliberately denied them and taken from them.

Kind of like the one man's garbage is another man's treasure. Perspective. Everyone has their reasons for thinking the way they do.

FWIW, we may already be too far along, to be able to prevent anything.

[Peach]

Mannequins of men, women and children dripping with blood, school buses and police cars riddled with bullet holes -- they were horrible scenes of ordinary people gunned down just like in this case

Can't post it often enough, IMO. Even if this case proves to be a homegrown shooter, doesn't mean that will always be the case. AQ terrorists have made their agenda clear and we need to remember their objectives. Keep posting.

[ET(end tyranny)]

Yes, and then some of our socialist paradise states can then enact laws making the registered owner of the firearm used to perpetrate a crime civilly liable for not ‘Controlling the Weapon’ or some other such nonsense.

You mean like locking it up, or keeping it in a safe?

[r9etb]

13 year old boy's aunt who probably saved his life yesterday is a nurse in the pediatric wing of the hospital where the boy is a patient.

I think God was with the boy yesterday....

[aristeides]

From the Washington Times article on yesterday's shooting:

A Prince George´s County security official said that a white box truck was seen leaving the area.

[OReilly]

Is that true, Koblinsky is saying that hollow point ammo fragments?

[CobaltBlue]

Don't rule anything out makes sense.

If it were me, I'd be looking at all men in Maryland who got hunting licenses recently, canvassing all stores which sell .223 rounds, and cross-referencing with all people with white vans.

Should only be several thousand potential suspects.;^)

[Peach]

I agree with you that the LEOs are at a disadvantage. It's VERY difficult to catch someone who operates like this. I just hope they are all thinking outside the box and wish they'd coordinate press conferences with a single source -preferrably a well spoken source. The feds keep telling us they are coordinating together and could prove it to me if they would have ONE spokesperson for the entire operation. But my husband was in LE and I know how difficult their job is and don't ever mean to criticize the important and extremely dangerous job they do.

[iconoclast]

it is alarming how the so-called "experts" resist thinking outside the box

No fear of that happening here! ;o)

[Chemist_Geek]

I think the Patriot Act pretty much wiped that out. I believe LE can now search and seize without a warrent. If anyone knows otherwise, please post.

I think so, in terrorism-related investigations. However, the first time they try to use any evidence so taken expect a long chain of appeals.