Beltway Sniper Shootings-FR Commentary-Monday, Oct. 21, 2002

Fox News, CNN, Press Conferences | October 21, 2002 | Fox News, CNN, Press Conferences

[Peach]

Let's keep a live commentary thread going again today. The FBI Tip # is 1-888-324-9800.

[swarthyguy]

I'm glad he's stopped answering DUMB questions by blowdried fluffernutters.

BTW, Reporter for Richmond paper just confirmed more than ONE Tarot cards and notes have been left on the scenes.

[cyncooper]

Rewatch the 9/11 media coverage for the first few hours. They did everything they could to not mention terrorism or terrorists. Shows you what it'll take to get them to say it.

We just observed the one year anniversary of 9/11 and many replays of "as it happened" were aired on many different channels.

As soon as the second plane hit everybody (with the exception of maybe Katie Couric) were saying "terrorism" and never looked back.

[stlnative]

So the pay phone is connected to the sniper somehow? - Is this the number the cops were suppose to call? - Sounds strange that he would pick a public phone.

[MasonGal]

Yum Yum - hope it's tasty!!

I've eaten quite a few dinners in front of the tv lately - I'm embarrassed to say - but it's true.

[Elenya]

Tonight, I'd like to officially renounce my theory of 2 young men bored with violent video games in competition with each other. I wanted to believe in it, but it doesn't seem possible anymore after what happened yesterday. So I'm back to my first gut feeling which I tried to ignore.

I don't know whether they're AQ or homegrown or leftists or nazis or whatever, but it doesn't matter. This is just the beginning. We better start getting organized, because we're on our way to finding out what it is to live like Israelis. So where do we start?

[texasbluebell]

Well, the only article I've read about the French connection says the missing sniper is "of Yugoslav origin" which in itself lends to an interesting idea, that is, is he of the moslem persuasion, bearing in mind the number of moslems in that part of the world. I wouldn't think his accent is French, though. I'll look for the link if you can't find it.

[cynwoody]

And the hoot is 3/4 of the people who've discussed it say Linda Franklin was an absolute and utter coincidence.

If Linda Franklin had been on some sort of target list, she would have had to have been pretty far down on it.

Hitting a target on a list is inherently more constraining, and thus more dangerous, than simply hitting a target of opportunity. You might draw attention compiling the list. Or you might get noticed tracking the targets (after all, your targets are unusually wise to surveillance techniques). But if you simply go after random individuals, then you are free to focus on seamless infiltration and exfiltration and minimize your chance of getting caught.

Also, you wouldn't want the public to get the idea that you are only after USG personnel. If they got that idea, then the ordinary citizens might not be terrorized. The aim in this case is to instill the belief that nobody is safe.

So, I conclude they simply got a little unexpected bonus with Mrs. Franklin.

[MasonGal]

I know - for days now - I've gone back and forth - terrorist - home grown psycho - terrorist - home grown psycho - my gut feeling is that it's even bigger than we can begin to realize.

I agree with you.

[Letitring]

Maybe they'll go back home and tell all their buddies America is NOT the place to go. ROFLOL.

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

...just found it...

French Soldier Missing in N. America
France Says Marksman Missing in North America, Fueling Speculation Over Link to Sniper Killings

The Associated Press

P A R I S, Oct. 21 — France has alerted Interpol about a French army deserter who is known as a marksman and is missing in North America. A Defense Ministry spokesman said there was speculation of a link to the investigation into the Washington-area sniper.

The 25-year-old second lieutenant, who was not identified, did not return to class in September at the elite military school, Saint-Cyr Coetquidan in Brittany, in western France, after going on vacation in August, officials said.

Interpol was notified of the disappearance of the officer, a normal procedure, and a judicial investigation was opened, which is also routine, said Defense Ministry spokesman Jean-Francois Bureau........


http://abcnews.go.com/wire/World/ap20021021_524.html

[Elenya]

my gut feeling is that it's even bigger than we can begin to realize.

Let's hope we're wrong...

[Letitring]

Yes it does seem strange, all of it does, really. It has creeped me out since they sent in all the alphabet agencies and didn't blink an eye doing so. I tried to convince myself it was because it was happening so close to the Capitol.

[Bella]

I heard that the tarot cards found contained "threats" and they've been receiving them all along...the bad thing is, whoever it is, MOOSE is chosen for the negotiator and message carrier..If anything goes wrong, Moose's going to blame himself for something that might/is out of his control..and I think the FBI have to play along even though they're running the show..look how quick they pounced on that phone booth and people this AM...Hopefully there's not another shooting tonite and it's almost 9PM just to prove their point that they mean what they say...And I do believe you're correct re the children--that's why 5 school districts were shut down last nite, and again tomorrow..something's going down...

[Freedom2specul8]

Thank you guys.. I've hardly been able to follow the threads at all this week...so am basically getting little snippets on tv. TV is not real helpful at times.

". Said shooter was making "chilling demands", "

I wonder what the demands are!

[texasbluebell]

If Linda Franklin had been on some sort of target list, she would have had to have been pretty far down on it.

Well, here's what occurred to me about that victim. The shooter might have been staking out the fbi building and just followed someone home, some likely employee chosen randomly, who looked like she was leaving work for the day, then he just stayed with her till he found his chance.

But I suppose the next question is, why didn't he just shoot her there leaving work?

[Freedom2specul8]

I hope after this is all over, that the blanks will be filled in for us.

[txhurl]

Statistical probability doesn't bear your argument out.

[swarthyguy]

How about some of these developments over the past couple of days.....

Gitmo prisoners released.

Powell saying Saddam could stay in power.

And Bush going the extra mile to advocate a peaceful resolution.

[Bella]

I heard they're asking for $$$, how much--no idea...plus who knows whatever else...

[Merovingian]

"officially renounce my theory"...LOL, that's great..

I still have my same ole theory...ONE shooter....very smart.......40+ yo sociopath...possible involvement with sniper type online gameserver.....possible military bg...

One thing for sure..LE is between a rock and a hard place, and, although I am extremely critical, I also know that without ALL of the FACTS, a whole lot of speculation and criticism serves very little..
I still would like to know what 'threatening details' the media is witholding..Perhaps this is wise, but right now, it is worrisome..