This guy has a problem with authority. With people telling him what to do. He was very angry that people hung up on him. He wants to dictate everything here. He is playing GOD!!! I would say someone who hates the cops or any LE unit. Just doesn't add up to Al-Qaeda.
Boy, the thought of him beaing as dangerous or as good as AQ probably raised his ego and got him to the point where he is. This money grab doesn't seem to follow very well as the original intention of his acts.
Sac
Your points indicate a dedicated terrorist. What else could it be except a sympathiser. The writing appears disjointed etc. The demands have been other things besides money. (political?)
He has not shot any cops! Wonder why?
This is pure and simple terrorism.
I would say that the odds are better than 50% that this guy is foreign born. He has no apparent prejudices. He has no apparent reason.
The thing he is doing is impossible to defend against and was anticipated by analysts at the beginning of the war on terror.