'Spree' shooter straying from typical serial killer motivation - main desire is to provoke terror

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | October 12, 2002 | San Francisco Chronicle Staff

[Dec31,1999]

Not much would surprise me, but I have a feeling it might be an ex-military man gone bezerko. It happens.

[Dec31,1999]

ping!

[Dec31,1999]

Excellent point. But I still say that it is not the case. Not in this case. Just a gut feeling. I think it's a looney, who has gone off the edge.

[snickeroon]

Just a random thought.....don't discount the idea of a terrorist effort based on the fact that it is happening in only one area. This could be a test run, where they are collecting and assessing info... It just seems odd that someone should choose such well-monitored areas, and then as an additional slap, do this in close proximity to a state trooper (on Friday), as well as so close to Quantico.... If you can get by with this here, can you pull it off in other areas???

One other thought: is it possible that the white truck is the diversion for an ever changing roster of second "get-away" cars...ie no matter how many trucks they stop they will all be clean, but the cars they aren't stopping.....

[HitmanLV]

"I am God" means to me that he likes the film "El Topo." I haven't seen this connection made yet!

[hosepipe]

"The paraxerus poensis is supossed to be a small green squirrel, but I've never been able to find an actual picture of one (just a few drawings). I believe it lives near Nigeria..."

LOL

[CIB-173RDABN]

In either case, he (or they) will be caught,of that, I have no doubt.

[teeman8r]

cameras are usually pointed at the reporter with the cameraman's eye in a cup rendering him with tunnel vision... a shot from behind would only give the cameraman emmy award winning footage as he would then swing around and catch nothing but the first white vehicle he sees on tape...

what needs to be done, is a search of area convenience stores'surveillance tapes, near and around the gas stations, to see if any patrons are visiting the crime scene locales... this sniper has to scope out the areas, and probably uses the rest rooms and buys snacks for his long drives.

also, he needs to purchase fuel, so i would check for duplicate credit card purchases in and around the crime areas to see if there is a pattern...

finally, i would instruct the public not to behave normally, but when they here a shot, run in the direction of the shooter and look for suspicious characters or vehicles... this guy will not be captured by the police doing the investigation route, but by the immediate community steppin up into the militia role.

and that is why they should be armed...

[ValerieUSA]

I think the sniper is part of the worldwide jihad. He stops on weekends to let the big international news stories have the media focus, and starts up again in the week to taunt the police and the public for maximum attention. The French tanker explosion and the bombing in Bali are more important to the overall cause than sniping around DC, so he doesn't detract from those stories.

The message from al-Qaeda leaders claiming Osama is alive that was talked about just before the shootings was a signal to launch new offensives. Another message is said to be on the way. Jihad goes on, whether or not we fight back. But they want us to fight back... Counterattacks (even arrests in Buffalo and Portand) give some cohesiveness and sense of purpose and unity to the general Muslim American population that has become comfortable in America and really isn't all that anxious for a full-scale conflict. Jihad recruitment needs some stimulation, and counterattacks are the best bet to swell the ranks of these self-destructive indignant warriors for allah.

[ValerieUSA]

I just read your post and I agree.

[jwalsh07]

Here's what I know. The victims are a cross ection of America and the only commonality is their Americanism.

What I would like to know is the time the shootings occurred relative to the locations of the shootings. Any idea where I can find that out?

[clodkicker]

I hope the gas stations have trained their cameras on the surrounding area rather than the pumps.

[First Conservative]

My opinions coincide with yours, except I believe it is more than one team of barbarian terrorists. These uncivilized followers of that "peaceful religion" make me wonder what they will do when they become "less peaceful." LOL

[nicmarlo]

With no more information then we have at this time, my opinion is just as valid as anyones

All valid points. Question, why do you think there's more than one? And, if there is, it seems they'd be twice as likely to get caught....now we'd be looking for two: a shooter and a get-a-way person. Many posters thinks the sniper's shooting from inside a vehicle or hotel room. I'm guessing he's standing outside, in the woods, waiting for people to come into position at gas stations where they're easy prey. If so, and there's two, the driver's waiting down the street, while the sniper calmly walks to the car. If that's the case, a gun would be in plain view. I have no knowledge of guns. But if he's walking around with it, then it'd have to be smaller rather than larger, so as to be hidden while the guy walks.

[billhilly]

How long until the shooter takes a reporter, live on TV?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm!

[toddst]

How long until the shooter takes a reporter, live on TV?

Whatever the shooter's criteria is will govern target selection. I doubt taunting is part of the program.

[nicmarlo]

On another thread (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/768449/posts), RedsHunter has this to say about not tying this to Al Qaeda:

The one thing in particular makes me think that it's not Al Qaeda terrorists are not doing the shooting ... the Tarot card supposedly left behind at one scene. Two things about it ... as I understand it, no self-respecting Mooselem would touch or look at, or even write upon, a graven image of God, let alone write on it in manner so to present himself as a God to others, even his infidel prey.

[Shooter 2.5]

Since the tarot card was planted,

Who told you that?

[CIB-173RDABN]

as I understand it, no self-respecting Mooselem would touch or look at, or even write upon, a graven image of God, let alone write on it in manner so to present himself as a God to others, even his infidel prey.

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You may be correct, but there are two other possibilities, the Tarot card may not have been left the sniper, and two, he (they) may be home grown Muslims and are not as adverse to using “graven images”.

[CIB-173RDABN]

why do you think there's more than one?

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These shootings are being done in broad daylight. The last one was done within 50 yards of a police officer. I think there is at least one shooter, and one driver and lookout. While the shooter is selecting a target, the driver is looking around to make sure the coast is clear, and the escape route is open. As soon as the shot is fired, the escape begins. One shooter would have to put away the weapon and then make sure the escape route was still open. The fact there are no reports of a vehicle speeding away would indicate to me that it is almost as if they come to a stop at either a stop sign or a stop light, shooter fires, and the vehicles moves away normally, no wasted time.

And, if there is, it seems they'd be twice as likely to get caught

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There are many crimes committed with more than one person. I think you would be correct if this was a normal crime but I still believe it is a sleeper cell that has been activated,

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Many posters thinks the sniper's shooting from inside a vehicle or hotel room. I'm guessing he's standing outside, in the woods, waiting for people to come into position at gas stations where they're easy prey. If so, and there's two, the driver's waiting down the street, while the sniper calmly walks to the car. If that's the case, a gun would be in plain view. I have no knowledge of guns. But if he's walking around with it, then it'd have to be smaller rather than larger, so as to be hidden while the guy walks.

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They are not outside the vehicle, just for the very reasons you suggest. They are not in a building as this would expose them to being seen. No, they are in a vehicle. One that has been specially prepared. With a little thought I think I could design a shooting perch inside a truck that would not be noticeable unless you were looking for it.