CNN Headline News reporting shooting in Falls Church

CNN Headline News | 10/14/02 | CNN Headline News

[xjcsa]

CNN Headline News is reporting that a woman has been shot near a Home Depot in Falls Church, VA, and that authorities are investigating whether this is another sniper attack.

Breaking now....

[js1138]

The alternating victim scenereo fits the nutcase theory as well as the terrorist theory.

Very few nutcases in our past have been so open in their methods and, at the same time, so obsessed with escape. The ones that were obsessed with avoiding capture did not act as frequently, and had similar victims, mostly women.

This killer(s) are out to humiliate cops. Either they hate cops for some personal reason, or they hate America. I will really be surprised if it turns out to be kids on medication. These folks have money and a place to hide their vehicle. Maybe several places.

I saw an Isuzu (Chevy) truck on the way to work this morning. The driver looked nervous and embarrassed. I can't believe a person without a support group wouldn't have been turned in by now. Look at the guy who got raided yesterday.

[Stat-boy]

Agreed. If Islamist terror comes to my neighborhood -- I'm getting myself a handgun and I'm going to learn how to use it.

Why not do that right now? Not just for terrorists, but also for street crime or home invasions. It’s not that hard. Find a local indoor or outdoor range and sign up for a class; ask friends about what they have. Hire an instructor for private lessons. Shooting is a sport and an art. It is not something one becomes skilled in overnight; time, teaching and practice are very important. For an analogy, compare shooting a handgun to shooting free throws in basketball. The concept of a free throw is very simple; but to be good at it takes time, teaching and practice! In addition, everyone I know who has taken up the sport of shooting (by sport, I mean casual shooting at a range with friends) has enjoyed the activity. But please do not wait until there is a problem. It is similar to never learning how to shoot free throws until minutes before a championship game.

[Kip Lange]

It would be a huge mistake for public officials to call it Islamic terrorism and be wrong.

...definite candidate for Understatement of the Year Award. :-) Accountability questions would never end. Hillary would possibly climax several times over for the first time in a few centuries at the thought of attacking admin. officials on this.

--KL

[1Old Pro]

Here's an idea:

Place 30-50 temorary high resolution video cameras along the main arteries of the interstates. This will allow the vehicle to be caught on tape and might give a hint as to :

1) Owner, from the license plate

2) Exact vehicle description so people can keep a look out for it.

3) Possible identification of this twisted killer.

[js1138]

Don't you think that different brands of rifles have different barrels that can be identified from the bullet? I think it's significant that the cops have said it is one of two models.

[Kip Lange]

The problem is, at least to me, we are beset by so many dangers here. As far as defense, the ME threat is the worst, but we just have no idea how many are here, how many are coming in each day, how many weapons they have (and what kind).

If you want to buy a gun (and you go through the proper training) for self-protection, more power to you. But don't take the paranoid mindset. What was destroyed on 9/11 was Americans' *sense* of security. The false illusion. You were just as vulnerable to this sort of stuff on September 10th, if not moreso. Don't get paranoid like that -- it's exactly what the terrorists seek to inspire in your heart. Let the better angels of your nature guide ya, and so on. :-)

--KL

[texasbluebell]

...because if this IS a terrorist op, it's a low-budget, low-manpower one -- other al Qaeda attacks have consistently been "bigger")

Well, this doesn't have to be AQ, you know. Right around DC are 7 known groups, 2 Hamas, 2 Hezbollah, and an Islamic Jihad, along with 2 AQ groups.

What's going on now would fit in at least with either Hamas or Hezbollah, can't remember now which uses snipers. (The Steven Emerson map is on this thread much earlier somewhere, which gives the location of these.)

[floriduh voter]

Yes, it's odd and cruel. The media got the woman's age wrong for one thing. She's no senior at 47, Linda Franklin. We know the guy hasn't mowed down a group of people. His method is how they're trying to pick off our troops in the ME. One or two at a time.

This Virginia shooter, maybe a van's leaving the crime scene and dropping him off at a safe house. He's got some really good method of eluding the police. Even hundreds of them. Hopefully, someone got a good look at his facial features and body type and they're not telling us which is fine with me.

[js1138]

I think the victim type is no accident. The shooter can also tell a Hindu from a Moslem.

[texasbluebell]

Why not do that right now? Not just for terrorists, but also for street crime or home invasions. It’s not that hard.

Someone told me the other day that the NRA gives free classes, just as part of membership. I've been thinking of doing just that.

[texasbluebell]

I think the victim type is no accident.

I would have to agree...so far, that's a pretty major clue--I hope someone among the authorities has noticed that.

[Kip Lange]

A qualificiation...just remember, for some of us, there are certain mitigating factors (although I defend to my dying breath your right to bear arms) that make us think twice about having a gun in the house, even if treated properly and kept in the right hands. Guns aren't the ONLY answer to Islamic terrorism. :p I myself like the populist propaganda front...what other reason to hang around FR? Heh.

Happy sport shooting, though, don't get me wrong, I have spent some time at firing ranges, and although recoil always surprises me, it's great fun (I also highly recommend archery to people...very relaxing.)

--KL

[js1138]

Here's an idea:

I'm sure that security camera companies will have a good Christmas. They're probably working overtime. Heck, it could be a security camera company drumming up business.

Something else could be done. Put several microphones alongside the security cameras with some software that listens for the signature of a gunshot, localizes it, and points the camera. I believe a system was invented over a decade ago that can precisely locate a gunshot with several mikes. Was invented for this very kind of situation. With current computer technology, Ronco could sell these for $19.95.

[Kip Lange]

What's going on now would fit in at least with either Hamas or Hezbollah, can't remember now which uses snipers. (The Steven Emerson map is on this thread much earlier somewhere, which gives the location of these.)

You're absolutely right, but it could still be a random nutcase, or a couple of random nutcases -- or al Q. I'm just saying it is best not to get locked into an assumption of terror with a political agenda and international funding...best not to get locked into ANYTHING right now...just keep an open mind, could be *anybody*.

--KL

[Kip Lange]

Hopefully, someone got a good look at his facial features and body type and they're not telling us which is fine with me

Amen to that. :-)

--KL

[Pegita]

And, so far, has avoided harm to black women. Again, the
shooter's pattern:

Male White
Male White
Male India(n)

Female Hispanic
Female White

Male Black
Female White

Male Black
Male White
Male Black ... and then a seemingly repeat yesterday:

Female White

[crager]

funny lol

[js1138]

And, so far, has avoided harm to black women

Could be limited opportunity. Pumping gas, shopping at Michaels, Home Depot. So far, every time the press has said the perp hasn't done something or can't, he does...

[nanny]

[You were just as vulnerable to this sort of stuff on September 10th, if not moreso. Don't get paranoid like that -- it's exactly what the terrorists seek to inspire in your heart. Let the better angels of your nature guide ya, and so on. :-)]

There is something about your post that doesn't add up, but for the life of me, I can't put my finger on it. It will come to me at 2 am in the morning.

There is a big difference in being paranoid and being realistic. Paranoia suggest no need to be frightened. Would you say that is the case.

We were just as likely to be attacked by Saddam and his weapons during the Gulf War and we did nothing. Why are we waiting until now. If you want to blame that on Clinton, try again.

I don't have an opinion as to the identity of this sniper.

It is apparent our leaders cannot or in many cases will not, protect us. It is up to us, whether it be from ME, local nut jobs, or illegals that have invaded.

[lexlov]

DJ FBI Says Sniper's Latest Victim Was An FBI Employee

10/15/2002
Dow Jones News Services
(Copyright © 2002 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.)


WASHINGTON (AP)--The FBI said Tuesday that the woman killed in a sniper shooting Monday night near Falls Church, Va., was an FBI employee

An FBI spokeswoman who declined to give her name confirmed reports that Linda Franklin, of Arlington, was an agency employee. Franklin was shot and killed outside a Home Depot store.

A senior law enforcement source said there were no indications that she was targeted because of her job. Details of her job description weren't immediately available.


(MORE) DOW JONES NEWS 10-15-02

11:34 AM