RANSOM DEMAND ‘BALONEY': EXPERT

New York Post ^ | 10/23/02 | TODD VENEZIA

[kattracks]

October 23, 2002 -- The sniper's bizarre demand for $10 million may not be a genuine bid to fill his pockets - just another way to torment cops, an expert said.

"It sounds ludicrous to ask for $10 million. There's no way he's going to get that; that's why I think it may be baloney," said Dr. N.G. Berrill, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

[Cindy]

"The sniper's bizarre demand for $10 million may not be a genuine bid to fill his pockets - just another way to torment cops, an expert said."

I AGREE!

[My Favorite Headache]

Me too...terrorists unless from Abu Sayef are in the mood to play Hollywood and demand a cash ransom to stop their own madness. 10 million is a stall tactic. I think we are in for some really disgusting things to come in the next few days. The look and demeanor of Moose's face has been getting worse each day...like he knows this is only the beginning and a taste of how bad the shit is going to hit the fan.

[nickcarraway]

If money was the motive, the demand would have come a lot sooner.

[sheik yerbouty]

It's a trick. The sniper is a jihadist of one sort or another.

[sneakypete]

The sniper's bizarre demand for $10 million may not be a genuine bid to fill his pockets - just another way to torment cops, an expert said.

I agree. He's just amusing himself by making them jump through flaming circus hoops and making fools out of themselves.

It doesn't matter,though. The damage has already been done,and was done when that idiot Moose publically stated he was trying to pay the ransom. Look for copycats to be coming to your area soon. Anytime you are willing to pay big bucks to get something,you will end up getting more of it.

[witnesstothefall]

I agree with his conclusion but not his reasoning. I believe the ransom demand is a secondary objective if not a diversion altogether, because it makes no sense to me that the sniper would wait until he had 10 (or 11?) successful shootings/escapes before he made his initial ransom demand. Those arguing he had to prove his bona fides as a dangerous man have been watching too much TV.

[m1911]

The sniper claims that he called the tip line repeatedly and was blown off. He has even given names of people on the tip lines he spoke to. He says that this has cost 5-6 extra lives.

[LibertarianLiz]

It's a trick. The sniper is a jihadist of one sort or another.

I agree with you 100%. I have always thought, from the discovery of it, that the tarot card was a red herring. Same with the money demands. Does anyone (beside that moron Moose) think that if we gave this guy his money he would go away? This is terrorism, and it won't stop until the guy is dead or captured --- preferably dead.

[UCANSEE2]

It is possible the money demand is mis-information.
It sure is coincidental that the government just announced they will be releasing prisoners from GITMO.

Could the terrorist(s) be demanding prisoners released (or they will kill another American)?
Another possibility is that only terrorists would be demanding such a large sum, as they are wanting it from the US GOVT, not the Maryland police department.

[bulldogs]

Didn't Abu sayef want randsom money? Sounds similar to me

[Williams]

I am wondering that IF the sniper(s) does want money, that perhaps police are making a mistake by trying to "talk" to the sniper. If it is an extortion effort, the best answer might be "We are not paying you anything ever and we are going to hunt you down. End of discussion not to be reconsidered."

Otherwise, you are encouraging the person(s) involved to commit more killings to drive the negotiations, which is what the sniper claims is happening. I realize that by engaging the sniper the police are hoping to get clues and to prevent killings. But IF this is any kind of cold blooded extortion then negotiation is a mistake.

This assumes paying a ransom is not an option. I can't imagine giving the sniper money to operate with.

[js1138]

If money was the motive, the demand would have come a lot sooner.

My reading of the reports is that the first demand for money was attempted after the first day, but the perp couldn't get through. That's the message left last saturday.

Al Quaeda is hurting for cash. The Saudi bankrollers are being watched, and American diplomats are in Switzerland trying to freeze their accounts.

[antivenom]

The same TYPICAL tactic used by procrastinators who need an excuse to carry on with their dirty deeds...that way establish in their sick mind the REASON for commiting more crimes and blaming the other side. Typical tactic seen lately by Saddam and Arafat....delay delay delay and come up with excuses as to WHY they had to kill a bunch of folks...

[js1138]

I might add that the money demand only makes sense if there is an international organization to collect it and launder it quickly.

[sheik yerbouty]

I think the gov't knows this, and is obfuscating to prevent possible attacks on jihadists in the US.

[Cindy]

re post11:

Abu Sayyaf kidnaps people. They either behead the victims, rarely release the victims, ands asks for $$$ right up front. They don't shoot, shoot, shoot, and eventually ask for money. The exception that I can recall was one American they beheaded and asked for $$$$ anyway. Abu Sayyaf hates Christians, hates Americans, and uses their ill-gotten gains for terrorism.

[Mr. Mojo]

It sure is coincidental that the government just announced they will be releasing prisoners from GITMO.

It sure is. If this is indeed Islaloterrorism (and I'm fairly certain that it is), and we start giving in to their demands (whether it be the releasing of prisoners, cash payments, or whatever), then we're completely doomed. We will lose the war for sure. Terrorists are NOT to be negotiated with.....EVER.

[gg188]

Has anyone suggested this:

Chief Moose announces a press conference, comes before the microphone, and reads the following statement:

"10 million dollars you want? Well, we have 10 million, but it isn't for you. It is for anyone who turns you in leading to your trial and conviction. Your mother, father, sister, brother, neighbor, friend, wife, girlfriend, etc. 10 million tax free to the person responsible for your arrrest and conviction."

[ApesForEvolution]

If there was a motive other than ME terror-war, it would the release of islamotrash in G-bay.