Do we have anyone from Washington that can keep us updated on the shootings there?

This is such a horrendous thing. For those of you who haven't heard, there is a sniper loose in the city. He/she has killed several people in the past few days. And, I understand that there's been another shooting this morning - a 13 year old boy. He's in critical condition and has lost a lot of blood.

Here's the site for the Washington Post.

Bringing this up to co-inside with Quizzicall's thread in the CI forum.

Do you guys realise I was just about to go to bed when I saw this thread?

Ok, for those of you who don't know (hopefully), I currently live in the area. I'm over in Virginia so when the first shootings happened, I was (I'm sad to admit) a little relieved that it was happening 'over there'. But now I'm in the middle. And last time I looked at a map, the only place in the area he hasn't hit has been right where I am.

Comforting thoughts, aren't they?

I have 3/4 a tank of gas in my car, so I won't be going to the gas station anytime soon. There was an article in the paper about some church which owns a gas station in Rosslyn that a lot of people are using. Something about feeling safer.

Others are filling their tanks in the city. After all, it's harder to hide someone with a huge gun in a city. It's also harder to hide and shoot someone.

What am I doing? Well, I thought I was doing pretty much 'business as usual' - until this evening. I was coming home from where I work and had to stop at a Circuit City to see about some batteries (there was supposed to be a sale, but I read the ad wrong, yadda yadda yadda) and there is a wodded area right there. I found myself paying close attention to my surroundings and almost running to the car. Same thing with going from my car to my apartment.

And I thought I was doing well.

I keep telling myself that only 10 of the whatever million people in the area have been shot. That my chances are so very slim that I shouldn't be afraid.

Well, newsflash: Although I'm not terrified, I'm very alert. Now I'm usually one of those people who knows where everyone around her is, where the pavement dips a little, but I'm even more alert than normal. I watch license plates, people's expressions, etc. Anything and everything I try to notice.

I don't know if I'll take the bus to my classes next week - I'd have to wait in front of an apartment complex with a wooded area. But I probably will take it because I know that statistically, I'm ok. And to show that I'm not going to be bullied. This person thinks he's god. Well, newsflash Mr. Sniper: You're not. Because god can do what 'he' wants. And what you want is for me to fear. Well, I'm not going to give you that.

It's odd though, someone who works at a gas station was quoted as saying that retail stores were also probably not seeing as many customers - just the opposite happened today. It seemed like everyone was at the mall. I mean, after all, you're inside with a ton of other people. You're safer.

I have a feeling that the kid who was shot was a warning. Before the shooting at the mdidle school, all the news was about "What is going on at the schools?" He just wanted to show that no one was safe. Notice how the sniper didn't target an elementary school child, but someone of the age where people feel like it's a young child, not a 'youth'. And the kid wasn't shot where the rest of the victims were. This sniper has good accuracy, I don't think a mistake like that is a mistake. I think it was intentional.

And notice how all of the shootings since the kid have been adults. His point was made.

As for the tarot card and almost getting caught today: I have two theories. 1. He's getting sloppy and arrogant. He doesn't think he'll be caught so he gets bolder. or, my preference: 2. He's trying to at least keep the police 'in the game'. He hasn't given up that many clues before. There were only fuzzy descriptions before. Why do they think he didn't see the police officer today? I think he did. Thought it was the perfect time to give the police another clue. In this theory, it's not about killing the people. It's about the chase. What would make the police hunt you down with more intensity than murders? So he's giving a chase.

Sorry if this message is incoherent. It's 2AM and I ramble at this hour.

Well, ladymacb...it's late for me, too. I have to say, I'm glad you took the time in your late hour to open our eyes! I watch a lot of CNN and other American stations way up here in Northern Canada, and I have, of course, thought "intellecutally" what it must be like to have to live through this...but you have made it so much clearer for me. I feel like I "know" you, in a way, because we see each others posts and opinions often...but of course, I don't. I had no idea I actually "knew" someone who was so directly affected by this. Your personal insight has touched me. Please know my thoughts are with you! Most of what you expressed are the fears and insights I think I would feel, too. It is all so sad.
The best to you..........now.........sleep well! ~Lea

I forgot to say that the police are fairly certain this guy has a driver. So it's not just one madman, it's one madman and his buddy, who must also be a madman if he's helping someone kill others.

Even more unfathomable.

And lefois, thanks for the kind words We'll just have to see what the future holds...

I wanted to say...don't worry too much! I wanted to say about the statistics, like you said. But it's just so random, it has to be a huge worry! If you were a mom, I think it would be even greater............you take care.......I will be thinking of you...for sure! But go to sleep now, ladyB!

LadymacB you have my sympathies - To have such a "nutcase" (the driver theory hasn't surfaced in the UK to my knowledge) roaming the streets of your home town - and assuming that at the last sighting he was seen driving off but not caught in the road blocks, one must assume he is parked up in a garage in that area.(therefore must be a local resident)
It does seem as though he (or she! or they!) are now playing a game with the police.
Keep safe LadymacB - thinking of you - John

I heard on ABC tonight that they figure this madman sniper may be using company trucks and that is the reason that he doesn't shoot anyone on weekends. There have been different descriptions of a white truck leaving the area, one a cube truck and one a vehicle similar to an Aerostar, both white. The Guardian Angels are filling gas at the gas stations for people too afraid to leave their cars. I thought that was a nice touch. The police and other authorities have been quite silent lately with regard to any tips or clues, and hopefully that is because they know more than they let on and don't want to tip their hand. I hope that's the case, anyway.

There was another shooting. It happened not too long ago in Falls Church. I don't like saying this over the internet, but since nothing's in my name at my apartment... Well, that's the town I live in. Granted, I'm at the other end of the town, but this is less than 3 miles from where I live.

It scares me to think that I have driven on the streets that this madman was just at.

This man has got to be caught.

Dear God! I hear there's just been another shooting. BRB...this is awful..............a woman, my hubby says.......and she's dead(?)...I'm going to see. Is this the one you mean, LadymacB??? Oh dear.......

Yes, this is the one. It's actually the district of the fire station that my roommate is a volunteer EMT for...

Police have closed the major roads... but, as someone on the news pointed out, this person knows the areas very well and probably took 'back roads' that weren't blocked.

Post deleted by ace_sodium

Lady MacB my heart goes out to you, but true to form you've shown your strong side. I'm so proud that you're not giving in and trying to carry on as normally as you can.

I can't even think what it must be like. Please keep you and yours safe.

George

My sentiments exactly, Miaowamberg. Let's all pray LadyMacb stays safe and well.
I understand the Guardian Angels are doing their little bit with no body armour or weapons. I think they must be totally mad !!
(in the nicest possible way as I really do admire their response to the situation.)
Let's hope with the new clues (apparently) that this nutcase is caught quickly and prefereably before another innocent person loses their life.

I have a feeling that the idiots responsible for the shootings will be caught soon. The USA have the best law enforcement agencies in the world and they have committed a lot of resources to catching these guys. It can't come soon enough!

It makes me so angry. Why these idiots feel they have to kill innocent people to achieve their agendas is beyond my thinking. What does it do? Does it make them more manly, does it bring them closer to their god?

I wasn't sure the USA was correct in this zero tollerance to terrorism due to a lot of innocent people that may get caught up in the cross fire and wash-up. Now I don't think there's any other way than to make points around the world that it can't be tollerated! These people are just plain gutless and would not hesitate in placing a child in front of a bullet. There's no place for them on this fragile planet!

Sorry, got a bit carried away there. I just get so p.o'd.

I'm sorry, but I have to respond to this quote:

In reply to:

---

Ladymacb - you said the chances 10 in a million - don't trust that - trust Murphy's laws on this!

---

You just made everyone in the DC area even more frightened than what they were. Thanks. We really needed that.

I back you in your response, ladymacB! Only I thought it was yours to express or I would have beaten you to the punch.

Had I known I wasn't the only one offended I wouldn't have put it so nicely

And, thank you to all who are thinking good thoughts

I am sorry! didn't mean it in that way.
and please don't misunderstand me - I am truly concerned!
( I just have the knack of saying the wrong things at the worst possible time).

There's been another possible shooting near Richmond - 90 miles south of DC. The man survived, he's currently in surgery. It just happened at 9PM, so there isn't much information and they're not sure if it's the same person.

It certainly has all the hallmarks, Lady MacB. I was quite shocked when I switched to CNN and saw all the hubub. Oh dear. I was hoping he(they, she)? would have disappeared into the woodwork. But that wouldn't be acceptable either. I hope this time they get enought information, or maybe the dragnet is wide enough to actually catch the perpetrator and end this anxious and frightening event. Take care. ~Lea

He/she is "working" on a Saturday. That's unusual, as weekends have typically been his/her time off from the shootings.

I hope the newest victim is ok. I hear he was able to talk to the doctors upon arrival at the hospital, so that's a good sign.

Personally, I wish the police would stop giving so much info initially as these are happening. This person is getting attention - just the thing he or she is after. They've closed down over 30 miles of Interstate just because of him/her. Now, that's power. I know they need to be giving some details - especially if this person's going to be caught. But, I don't want them tipping their hand, either. One of the interviews I heard tonight gave a few details that I think would have been best kept under wraps until they have a bit more info on what the investigation into tonight's shooting showed.

Lady, just stay inside for a while, ok? There's a lot of weirdness going on, and I want you to be safe and secure. Go about your normal life as much as possible, but do stay aware of your surroundings and be careful.

Apparently someone has been arrested in coonection with the shootings. Fingers crossed - here's the story.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/2346921.stm

I'm crossing them, I talked to my friend in Virginia, she said her local gas station was the scene of one of the shootings, then her Maryland school was completely surrounded by police and the kids were not allowed out for recess on the playground. Just grocery shopping became an anxiety attack.

Sadly, it seems the men arrested have nothing to do with shootings from our news this morning.

Did anyone ese hear the message that the Police sent to the sniper about not being able to hear him properly and to call back? I'm asumming then that he has called them which seems like a very risky move, hopefully he'll become so confident that he'll make a mistake soon.