[mhking]

Thus not as much protection as one would suspect.

Sounds like more of a parking "deck" - pretty much as you find at many suburban malls. My question is whether or not the deck was open out toward US 50.

[xsmommy]

yes the parking garage is open towards route 50 and there are many pillars in the garage as well. i have yet to hear a definitive word on where the person supposedly saw the shooter exit the vehicle and take the shot.

[fhillary2]

yes, it's open to 50

[ottersnot]

You are correct and it would be open towards 50. Route 7 is to the back of Home Depot. The top of the deck is the same level as rte 7. There are shops/stores on two different levels there so the deck is kind of like an overhang providing extra parking. The Home Depot is on the lower level with a ramp leading from it to the top of the deck. Parking is available on top of or under the deck.

It's a very very congested area. 3 major routes come together there. The traffic is some of the worst in Northern Virginia that I have experienced. Immediate guesses are that the shooter could have been on the access road bordering route 50 if he/they shot from their van. My guess is he shot from across 50 and then ran to a waiting vehicle possibly blocks away???. who knows. A lot of these witness reports are unconfirmed and contradicting.

Regarding a vigilant armed citizen shooting the shooter after he disclosed his position. He's been very careful NOT to disclose his position. Thus ONE shot only.
note, my humble opinion, and worth .02 cents.