Kidnap for ransom is a common criminal activity in Mexico and other nations south.
They come up here and can't believe how rich and carefree we are, how ripe and tempting it looks. They are surprised at the level of overwhelming law enforcement response it draws.
I doubt that law enforcement response will save us from terrorists determined to kill. Thank God for the boy's ingenuity in saving himself. While I applaud law enforcement in Florida, I have to ask -- are we prepared for the onslaught of terrorists that London now has?