Beltway Sniper Shootings-FR Commentary-Tuesday, Oct. 15

Fox News, CNN, Press Conferences | October 15, 2002 | Fox News, CNN, Press Conferences

[Peach]

To avoid multiple vanity threads regarding any news from press conferences, let's keep a live commentary thread going again today.

Note: This is the graphics-free thread. Graphics can be found under the thread titled "Beltway Sniper Shootings-Graphics Only"

[carton253]

First of all, Ashcroft's statement came before the death of the FBI agent. But she wasn't killed in the line of duty... so I don't know if the federal statutes apply because I don't know the ins and outs of the federal statute.

Is it terrorism? I don't know if it is.

If they can keep it a state crime, then for sure, the death penalty is in play.

Of course, things are fluid, so a statement made last week could not be revelant today.

[Robe]

Are there bats in mosques?

I bet there are more 'RATS than bats in there !!!

[OReilly]

He specifically mentioned shopping centers as targets.

I remember that warning, "Stay out of the Malls!"

[Sacajaweau]

I was considering parks also, but "stealthing" along these green space areas works better for me.

Once he turns to leave, he is more interested in what's ahead of him and wiggling around. The people behind him are concentrated on the victim and immediate surroundings for several minutes.

He's in the dark in this case...what did the moon look like last night??

Sac

[aristeides]

I think the United State Supreme Court declared the death penalty to be unconstitutional in Federal cases. True?

That was two federal district courts, one in New York and one in Vermont. I would bet money the Second Circuit will reverse both. If the Second Circuit doesn't do it, I would bet serious money that the SCOTUS will.

[FootBall]

And, speaking of alternation, yesterday's shooting upped the total of women.

Yes, Now there have been 4 shootings of women and 7 shootings of men. If the pattern holds then the odds of the next victim (if there is one)will be obvious.

[madison10]

I think it sounds like an oversized chess match. (except I couldn't figure out a grid on a map to support this cock-eyed statement of mine.)

[ARealMothersSonForever]

I would posit that this operation is being done "in plain sight". License plate info withheld, no details on description. The armchair warriors are screaming about RKBA. Who would draw on someone appearing as Fed agent? In a USG tagged vehicle? Think about how many light vans, boxtrucks, etcetera that are USG tagged in this area. This is not to be construed as an accusation that it IS Fed personnel, could be some with intimate knowledge. The terr angle would be to undermine confidence in agencies (FBI, ATF, or USM). This would explain taking one of "theirs" in plain view, and no pursuit. Blending with the environment in a now heavy LE presence. Thoughts?

[browardchad]

Someone explain under what circumstances we can use our miltitary for the common defense? I am clueless.

From the U.S Coast Guard

Posse Comitatus Act
Source: G-OPL

"POSSE COMITATUS ACT" (18 USC 1385): A Reconstruction Era criminal law proscribing use of Army (later, Air Force) to "execute the laws" except where expressly authorized by Constitution or Congress. Limit on use of military for civilian law enforcement also applies to Navy by regulation. Dec '81 additional laws were enacted (codified 10 USC 371-78) clarifying permissible military assistance to civilian law enforcement agencies--including the Coast Guard--especially in combating drug smuggling into the United States. Posse Comitatus clarifications emphasize supportive and technical assistance (e.g., use of facilities, vessels, aircraft, intelligence, tech aid, surveillance, etc.) while generally prohibiting direct participation of DoD personnel in law enforcement (e.g., search, seizure, and arrests). For example, Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachments (LEDETS) serve aboard Navy vessels and perform the actual boardings of interdicted suspect drug smuggling vessels and, if needed, arrest their crews). Positive results have been realized especially from Navy ship/aircraft involvement.

[carton253]

But wasn't he tried under Oklahoma law? The case was in Denver because of change of venue. I'm asking, because I don't know the answer. But I think it was the State of Oklahoma against Timothy McVeigh.

[Peach]

Some thoughts to ponder there. Highly coordinated group could have places, picked ahead of time, to hide vehicles.

[Naspino]

I'm disallusioned. I watched CSI last year when the Buddist monks were killed and they used the video surveillance from a satellite to view what had happened in that area the night before. Now if we had that ability -- it would be in use around DC. They should be able to bring up the tapes and track the white van from when it entered to when it left and where it ended up. Same technology shown in that Chuck Norris terrorist movie made for TV a couple years ago.

[aristeides]

No, McVeigh was executed by the feds, under the federal death penalty. Tried in federal district court in Denver. Federal District Court Judge Matsch.

[Letitring]

I also think the Predator can "see" at night, into buildings, and through your clothes. It's awesome technology.

[aristeides]

Does that mean the Predator can see into rental garages?

[Robe]

Here's a representative image from a Predator...(Launce of a SAM in Iraq) Think you can see the face of a sniper in this resolution? That said, you could follow a van or truck!

[Chemist_Geek]

Has anyone determined the exact time of the shot? All that I have seen so far is "about 9:15". If the shot was fired at 9:11, wouldn't that be something to consider as a possible message? 9:11 referencing the WTC attacks?

In virtually all of the rest of the world, dates are written with the day first, then the month, as in "11 September" or 11/9/2001. Writing the month first is an American idiosyncrasy.

I doubt that someone raised in an non-American culture would think of that symbolism.

[carton253]

Thanks...

[OReilly]

some geeks have either built their own "black box" or got their hands on one

Yes they are are all over here, more near Fire Stations in my experience. Thanks, BTW, good suggestion, since someone who lives in the area said last night it would take many minutes to get anywhere with the red light hell in the area. Wonder if there is a log of activation in the controller?

[Kip Lange]

watched CSI last year when the Buddist monks were killed and they used the video surveillance from a satellite to view what had happened

WHAT? Er...see: "reality".