[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!

[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.

[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.

[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...

[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."