Beltway Sniper Shootings-FR Commentary-Saturday, Oct. 19, 2002

Fox News, CNN, Press Conferences | October 19, 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.

[Dog]

Was this a Penske rental truck..???

[mystery-ak]

Hi ya!....no, I heard that earlier and forgot to post it...thanks for reminding us.

[valleygal]

"I think the shooting of the 13yo was a message to Chief Moose who tried to
re-assure the public that the children were safe."

And this may be why he left the card at this shooting only stating on it that he was God. He was saying, "You can reassure all you want, but I'm in control and no, even the children aren't safe."

[shhrubbery!]

Mark Simone on WABC radio (New York City - Rush's flagship station) is saying this has not been reported in most of the media yet, but that THERE IS A SUSPECT, and he is being kept under surveillance -- and likely knows it.

Theory now amongst some in law enforcement is that this is the reason there have been no shootings since Monday.

[Lion's Cub]

I don't think the cops have anything from any of the crime scenes

I think you may be right. I think that's why they announced that the pentagon was bringing in the "drone" for overhead surveillance and setting up various sensors. I think they announced it would take a couple of days to give these guys a chance to get out of Dodge. If you can't catch them, the next best thing is to drive them off.

[FootBall]

Was this a Penske rental truck..???

I thought there was a report a few shootings ago about a van/truck with "Total" on it. The following rental place with Dulles Airport location has Total in "Total Cars and Rental". Serves Maryland, Virgina and DC. Rental Link

[mystery-ak]

If this truck is the one....a lot of the evidence may be lost...it was in the process of being cleaned up by the cleaning crew when the casing was found....

[Travis McGee]

Terrorist flies in, shoots 11 people, flies out completing mission. He demonstrates that one doesn't need a fleet, an air wing, landing craft, beachheads, logistical support, paratroops, etc. to attack. Just a round trip ticket, and some walking around money. Maybe next month 100 troops "invade" to complete missions!

What Greg's fly in professional would need is some local support. A rifle and ammo, either from a diplomatic pouch from one of our "friendly" muslim allies (Saudis, Egyptians etc), or a local "American" muslim who bought the gun. A fly in terrorist is NOT going to be going to gun shows or the black market himself to get a weapon, it will be provided to him at a dead drop. Ditto vehicle support. His local support cell may also scout locations, etc.

But we CANNOT discount the scenario Tracer provides: scoped Contender type pistol, one solo terrorist or lunatic, firing from 150 plus yards and never seen or connected to the event, just walking, biking or driving away.

[Sacajaweau]

Suspect under surveillance:

It's the ordinary looking guy with the tipped halo.

Sac

[Travis McGee]

You are at a greater risk of being killed in a car accident while driving around scouting "sniper safe" shopping locations than you will ever be from this sniper.

We need to get mentally tough, like Israelis or Brits during the Blitz. Next year there may be 100 snipers, what then? Hide under the bed?

[valleygal]

The FBI took over the tip lines at the end of last week. :)

[Lion's Cub]

Theory now amongst some in law enforcement is that this is the reason there have been no shootings since Monday

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing that.

[EverOnward]

Peach, when you begin the daily thread, would you mind posting: 1-888-FBI-9800 (1-888-324-9800) -- the FBI tip line number. Thanks!!!

[wingnuts'nbolts]

The Beltway shooter (not sniper) has left the state. It will start up somewhere else now.

[valleygal]

"You could write it on your belly". Was EverOnward there that day?

[valleygal]

My sister was telling me about this gas station with the blue tarp last night.

[GregoryFul]

Could be! Maybe even more that haven't been connected yet!

[valleygal]

"Mark Simone on WABC radio (New York City - Rush's flagship station) is
saying this has not been reported in most of the media yet, but that THERE IS A
SUSPECT, and he is being kept under surveillance -- and likely knows it."

Oh, I hope so. And as much as I and everyone has been feeling this is organized from the ME, I am still praying we are wrong.

[antivenom]

KA-jillion fingerprints...a Ka-billion hairs and fibers...might as well do an investigation inside a hair salon