This guy had at least one 17 year old with him. He was not alone.
Who is the "duck in a noose" message to? His buddy in the car?
Where did he get the money for the trip to the east coast, the car, the gun, food and water and surviving 3 weeks in the car( or maybe hotels )
I'm not saying he was part of a cell...I just want answers to these questions and your lone nut theory doesn't cover them.