That is a very curious and interesting set of circumstances, which would be something to followup on if there were any real reporters left, but I’m not sure it bolsters the premise of premeditation. One or two more dots connected in could sure make it so.
“James Hodgkinson had been living out of a white cargo van in the East Monroe Street area since March. East Monroe Street runs alongside Simpson Field, where four people were shot and two others injured.
“Former Alexandria mayor met congressional gunman at local YMCA. Euille said it was “the guy with the laptop” with whom he had chatted with each morning in recent months at the local YMCA.
Euille, who works out at the YMCA five days a week, said he often chatted with Hodgkinson and even tried to help the Illinois man find a job. “He was a loner, but presented himself very well. He was well-spoken and just didn’t seem to be depressed or irritated about anything,” said Euille.
“He never engaged in political talk,” Euille said. But Hodgkinson would shower, go out to his car, get his laptop and sit for hours. “Never really interacting with anyone but myself when he saw me, and this staff person at the front desk.”
According to Euille, Hodgkinson recently asked the front desk staff about the group of men playing baseball in the mornings at the ball field nearby. He wanted to know if they were Democrats or Republicans.”