Police say sniper may have tried to contact them, but the call was garbled

Associated Press ^ | 10-21-02 | STEPHEN MANNING

[Alas Babylon!]

Yes, but their ratings have gone up, and therefore profits. Reminds of the song Dirty Laundry by Don Henley:

"The bubble-headed bleach blonde,
with a gleam in her eye,
It's interesting when people die.
Dirty Laundry....."

Some Fourth Estate, huh?

[Catspaw]

That's a possibility, but they may want him/her/they to talk, get a speech pattern, and keep him/her/they talking to do a psychological profile as well as try to track down the guy/gal/herd.

[FITZ]

Is it possible the LE's statement about the garbled message

Yes it could be a ruse. If this is a serial killer type, he could be kind of insulted that they didn't understand him, especially if he thinks he's some kind of god character. Or ME terrorists wanting to make sure they got their message across.

[Dog Gone]

They attacked the WTC twice because they think they're getting a specific target that way.

That's a good point, and the possibility of a probing attack can't be dismissed.

However, we're looking at this through post 9/11 glasses. If this had happened 18 months ago or more, very few of us would be pointing the finger at ME terrorists based on the clues the sniper has left us. I think it's right to consider all possible suspects.

[leadhead]

That seems more likely to me. I think we're dealing with a very intelligent nut. He (or she or they) is very clever, very cunning. He's plotting, planning, thinking things through, making sure he can get in, make his shot & escape unnoticed. And now he's playing mindgames with the cops and all of us. Chilling.

The guy is writing the new textbook on terrorism. Sort of an update on the old Mafia hitmen-out of towner, unknown, work alone, plain vanilla, one shot, move on, next contract. We just don't know the motivation.

Using some old spycraft too. Hide in plain sight, set no pattern, simple weapon, walk or bike away.

The guy's visited millions of dollars in losses to the DC area for about $13 worth of ammo and $ 189.00 worth of gun.

[Catspaw]

All if it very true. But the one difference between this guy, the Mafia and other serial murderers is that he kills from a distance, both physically and probably emotionally. From that distance, they aren't people, but kills. Most serial killers like getting right up there and doing the killing themselves--e.g. strangulation, stabbing shooting--not being separated by a hundred to three hundred feet or so. That shows a certain emotional disassociation. He probably doesn't even get any emotional release from the killing, but more of a satisfaction of a job well done.

He's one sick cookie, whomever he (or she or they) is.

[FITZ]

If this had happened 18 months ago or more, very few of us would be pointing the finger at ME terrorists based on the clues the sniper has left us.

True. It's similar in some ways to snipers like the Luby's sniper or snipers who stand on some building picking people at random to kill only he's spreading the killings out more. It's impossible to understand how that kind of person thinks or feels.

[blam]

"Good clear point. I agree"

Welcome aboard. (I like people who agree with me.)

[B4Ranch]

Half a million bucks is enough to get entire families taking up observation points for a few days at a time. If the sniper withdrew a rifle and was observed he/they would catch a round in the brain and we would have an end to a sad situation.

[Tauzero]

He hates these cans! Get away from the cans!

[southern rock]

Half a million bucks is enough to get entire families taking up observation points for a few days at a time. If the sniper withdrew a rifle and was observed he/they would catch a round in the brain and we would have an end to a sad situation.

LOL! Yeah, I can just picture it now. The "too drunk to fish" crowd heading out to catch the sniper with their deer rifles, led by some dude who has taken out 2 or 3 of his buddies in various hunting accidents over the years.

Hey Earl, look, I shot me the sniper! Earl? Earl? Uh oh! :P

[B4Ranch]

It's not too often that I agree with Illbay, but once in a while I do.

[southern rock]

It's not too often that I agree with Illbay, but once in a while I do.

Yikes! That Bad? Using the sense of humor God gave you might help a little. Sheesh!