Your e-mails: Tension, fear and panic

Childrens' safety is a big issue for Marylanders

As police in the Washington area investigate another suspected sniper killing, local people have been describing unprecedented levels of fear and panic as they try to go about their daily lives.

In e-mails to BBC News Online, some readers talk about a feeling of being trapped or humiliated by the fear, while others say that they are determined to carry on as normal.

I have had no freedom since we came to the land of the free

Schoolgirl Hannah Matthews
Maryland

"I have never seen so much tension and panic in the capital before," wrote Mark Jafree of Fairfax, Virginia, who has lived in the Washington area for four years.

"It just goes to show we are fighting an enemy in the dark," he added, noting the traffic chaos caused by one of the killings in his state.

"You don't see as many people outdoors any more. It's really tragic," said Melanye of Alexandria, Virginia.

'Like prison'

Schoolchildren in the area have been particularly affected by events, with many schools closing and recent revelations that the sniper was intending to target minors.

The decision to close sees just laughable - so all the teenagers are hanging out at the malls today instead of schools

Katia
Virginia

British-born Hannah Matthews, who moved to Maryland three years ago, said her school had been in lockdown for three weeks.

"I feel as if I am in prison. Our parents won't let us go out unless it is necessary," she wrote.

"The school has not replaced our play time with any activities. The teachers yell at us for making too much noise.

"They don`t seem to understand what it is like for us kids. I am used to living in a quiet place with no fear of violence and lots of freedom.

"I have had no freedom since we came to the land of the free."

Virginia parent Katia also questioned recent restrictions on schools.

"The decision to close seems just laughable - so all the teenagers are hanging out at the malls today instead of schools," she said.

"How does it make this safer?"

'Determined resolution'

Some residents seem deeply embarrassed by their own fear.

I refuse to let this person control my life in any way

Natalie
Richmond

James, of Falls Church, Virginia, wrote: "I leave work in a few minutes as I have to do some shopping on the way home.

"I'm glad to see that it's raining. Why? Because I feel less stupid sprinting across the parking lot."

Others have refused to succumb to the atmosphere of terror.

"If this is terrorism-related, I don't think it will have the desired effect. Far from keeping me from living my life, these shootings have filled me with a determined resolution," wrote John from Montgomery County, Maryland, where the shootings have been concentrated.

"I refuse to let this person control my life in any way," wrote Natalie of Richmond, Virginia.

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