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Thursday, 24 October, 2002, 17:25 GMT 18:25 UK
Washington sniper attacks: Your experiences
Police investigating the recent spate of sniper shootings in the area surrounding Washington DC say the two men they have in custody could be responsible for the attacks.
The men were detained at a highway rest stop on Thursday morning in Frederick County. A senior aide to President George W Bush said that the FBI was "reasonably sure" that the case had been solved. The shootings have left 10 people dead and three injured since they began on 2 October. You sent us your experiences of living in Washington during the sniper's attacks. Thank you for your e-mails. This Talking Point has now closed. A selection of your comments is published below.
Paul, Washington, DC, USA
I grew up in Stockton-on-Tees and moved to the US in 1986. I have never felt unease in my day to day life like I do right now. I have two school age children and every morning before I leave to my workplace in Montgomery Co. MD I give them and my wife a hug, a kiss and tell them that I love them for fear it might be the last time I see them.
Mark Jafree, Fairfax, VA
I live in the US, where this sniper has been grabbing news headlines across the country since he started. It is horrible. This is very much terrorism. This killer has terrorised this community into a state of near paralysis, people not getting out of their cars, schools and businesses shut down, no one out at night, no football games. The reason this guy does it is for the thrill, for the attention the media so willingly gives him, with each new headline. The more we empower and encourage him to do it again!
I have a cousin who lives very close to the scenes of many of the shootings. She is afraid of going out and is being very careful. I also have a friend with relatives in Iraq. I cannot even try to imagine the fear they must have of bombs or missiles dropping on their heads. To me both situations are serious and are creating terror in innocent civilians. I hope that by understanding this fear in their own country, more American citizens will protest against the government's decision to use any means necessary to neutralize the "threat" from Iraq.
I agree with others here in that I do not see the fear that has been reported in the news. Yes, we are looking around a lot more but that is to be expected considering the nature of the crime. However the best point I have heard so far about this sniper is that now we can begin to have a taste of the fear that the Afghans and the Iraqis and any other nation that is under threat from America feel right now. They ask themselves, which of my children will be dead by this time next year? It should make us think a lot harder about our government's actions around the world.
It is really amazing, some of the comments from citizens of other countries. Here in the US we have a sniper on the loose, murdering innocent civilians as they go about everyday life, men, women, and children, of all nationalities and backgrounds. The sniper has no preference. Yet, several comments here talk about "Bin Laden" or "remember Palestinians cut down are no different." Stop with the continuous dialogue and implications that America is such a terrible country. Give up the anti-American rhetoric, because if America "minds its own business", then the world would be in deep trouble!
Hannah Matthews, Maryland USA/Bath, UK
I live less than a mile from the first four shootings. I bought gas at a station the night before it became the scene of one of the shootings. I am frequently kept awake at night by the sounds of aircraft searching Rock Creek Park which is right behind my house. Far from keeping me from living my life, these shootings have filled me with a determined resolution. I would like to believe that the world is a safe place, but if not I will continue to work, commute, shop, and most importantly to love those who surround me.
I live not far from the area of the attack and know one of the victims. I am saddened that our politicians have never been successful in passing the necessary laws to stop the gun violence. How many innocent people have to die before the lawmakers and the government do something about it? It's time again for people to consider why guns are beneficial to our freedom and safety.
Nicole, Washington DC, USA
We live in Richmond, VA, where all schools are closed today because of the shootings. The decision is seen as just laughable - so all the teenagers are hanging out at the malls today instead of schools. How does this make it safer? Well, we go about our day the usual way, except today I have my 10-year-old at work with me. Fear is not an option. Life can be pretty scary at times, regardless of the shootings or bombings.
It is interesting to get perspectives on a problem that is literally in my backyard from people around the world. I am heartened by the compassion I hear from people living in the UK and around the world.
Natalie, Richmond, VA USA
If I was American, I would be very frustrated. They haven't found those responsible for anthrax - Bin Laden is still at large and now this. Where is the intelligence that the American taxpayers are paying billions of dollars to safeguard their security?
The general hysteria of the American public regarding not only these shootings but other events as well shows the weakness of our society. I highly doubt this is terrorist related, however terrorists may take notes as to how best disrupt our day to day life. Amazing how when crime comes to the suburbs everyone is up in arms, goodness knows how many people have died on D.C. streets in the last few years and it hardly made the news, however those people weren't white were they?
I was in my early teens when the Son of Sam serial killer was loose in NY. While it was true that many people were frightened, and there were less people - especially young women (his main targets) - going out at night, most people went about business as usual. In NY in the late 70s, realistically, you were far more likely to be mugged on the subway, or in Central Park, or in anyone of dozens of neighbourhoods, than be hit by Son of Sam. The same holds true now. As horrifying as the sniper is, people are still far more likely to be killed in a car accident than be hit by the sniper. And yet, everyone is still driving. In a case like the sniper, you really just can't live in fear.
James, Falls Church, VA, USA
I live in downtown Washington and have not noticed any sense of panic at all. Yes, the news is inescapable, but people continue to walk on the streets and sit at cafes drinking coffee or beer. There does appear to be less car traffic, and perhaps that is because the suburbanites who drive may be making fewer trips to town. But I frankly do not understand these descriptions of panic, which I am simply not witnessing.
American capital suburbia is in fear. Strip malls and gas stations are losing business. People are (finally) afraid to buy gas (I think something positive may come out of this ordeal). For decades Americans were trying to leave the inner cities and their crimes behind by moving out to the peripheries. Ironically, crime is catching up; from Littleton to Falls Church.
Russ, US
I have often shopped at the Home Depot where the last shooting took place. I was surprised a shooting there could actually have taken place since the parking lot is small and covered. I am beginning to think that this is a co-ordinated terrorist attack. This is not the modus operandi of a serial killer who hunts victims within a certain group, nor does it follow the shorter pattern of a random spree killer.
The recent sniper shootings show the weakness in law enforcement, and demonstrate that ordinary citizens cannot count on the government to protect them. The government can't do it. It's not possible.
It has been said before, but if all gun owners had the rifling signature on file along with the rest of their details, gun crimes would be resolved quicker and less lives would be lost. The only people who would disagree are those who are likely to commit the crimes.
The white van/truck is registered, and police can't find it. How will registering guns differ?
Donna, USA
This last attack in Falls Church occurred about 10 minutes down the street from where I live. We are all gripped in fear here in the DC area. No one knows what is coming next, and people have definitely changed their habits. You don't see as many people outdoors anymore. It's really tragic. The past 13 months have been just hell here in DC, from 9/11 to anthrax, to dirty bomb rumours, and now this. When will it end?
I live in Montgomery county, this sniper is an effective terrorist. He has made people second guess their everyday activities. The last shooting was with in walking distance of my house. My school has cancelled all of its sports, and the fall sports season is simply gone. Our home coming (American) football game is cancelled. I just can't wait till this guy is caught so I can go for a jog around the block with out watching for a white van.
Bojan, Germany
To Bojan: Your thoughts are appreciated, but the other side of the coin is that if coverage of the sniper's actions is banned or subdued, the killer may well try harder to get attention and ratchet up the number of his murders. As with many things, there is a balance to be struck, and the authorities apparently feel that the public should be given updates so that they, in turn, can make informed decisions on travel and attendance.
I have been scanning these messages and just wanted to show my support and compassion for those living with these attacks. Here in Manchester gun crime is becoming more and more frequent, particularly in the relatively poorer areas, and innocent people are being killed, but not on this scale, and not in such a random fashion, in broad daylight. In response to Ruth (below) I don't think this story is getting coverage because of the affluence of the area, but because of our inability to explain these attacks.
I know a lot of Americans don't like gun laws and I understand the historical reasons for this but it might be worth thinking about a system where everyone who buys a gun has their photo and address on record alongside the gun's bullet "fingerprint" (ie the distinctive markings on the shell made when fired). I know this won't help in all cases but it should limit the number of unsolved killings and at the very least make it possible to trace where the gun used in these killings was bought and who by.
The latest attack occurred just eight miles from my sister's house. My two nephews still walk to school. She's not panicking, so neither am I. To Stephen Wey, UK, on your comment about photo ID'ing gun buyers, this is a part of the background check and licensing of guns in this country. I don't own a gun, nor do I ever wish to. But a murderer is a murderer no matter the weapon.
Duncan, UK
Having lived through the Columbine High School massacre right in my back yard, I can empathise very much with those around Washington D.C. This just goes to show the people here in the States that there is a great deal of domestic terrorism to deal with, let alone Saddam Hussein!
Some of the comments flying around here are patently absurd. One person out of 280 million goes psychotic and all of a sudden it is symptomatic of our way of life. This has nothing to do with gun ownership. For the record I am not a gun owner - have no interest or need.
Steve Coran, USA
What a terrible situation and how interesting that hardly any of the participants from America have actually hit on the real problem - the obsession with guns. Why allow the sale of these weapons in the first place?
Living and working in DC, I am surrounded by these sickening events. How one could take pleasure or joy in randomly killing innocent people is unimaginable. What is the point?
Also, in comment to Muiris from Wales, how can you consider the availability of firearms in America the root of the problem? Do criminals in England not have guns just because they are not sold? Or is it just that law-abiding citizens do not have guns to protect themselves from the criminals who do have them?
I've lived in Spotsy, VA all my life and I've never experienced anything like this in my community. Everyone here is living in terror whether they wish to admit it or not and it disappoints me that our so called "Commander in Chief" refuses to call this terrorism.
But my greatest fear of all is that this man won't be caught alive, and we'll never know why he did this.
I live in Arlington, Virignia - right outside of DC. I am not gripped by terror. I am not living in fear. I am walking my dog. I am filling my car with gas. I am going out to lunch. I pray for the victims and their families.
I live in Virginia, not far from where the shootings have taken place. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't more apprehensive and observant when going about my daily activities. However, I refused to let the terrorist attacks on 9-11-01 force me to become a prisoner in my own home and I feel the same way now. I hope that this murderer is found soon. I also hope that he gets tried in Virginia rather than in the neighbouring jurisdictions as Virginia has the toughest penalties.
Everyone in this area is on edge. I work in DC and live in Arlington, a nearby suburb. I filled my car's tank with gas on Monday evening, constantly scanning the horizon for someone with the vantage point to shoot at the station. This was the same evening as the gentleman was murdered in Manassas, Virginia, also filling his car's gas tank. So many innocent people have been killed or wounded by this madman, we all hope and pray that he's apprehended soon and brought to justice. Please don't think that everyone in the US is a gun-toting fanatic.
I spent four months in Sarajevo after the war ended there. I remember looking at all the buildings on Sniper Alley and wondering why we didn't try to stop the war earlier. Those stories didn't receive half the news coverage in the US that I now see about this story in France. I am American but sometimes I can't help but wonder why we think we are so special when it comes to tragedy.
I certainly hope this guy is caught and soon, before any more innocent people have died. Although us Brits have been dealing with shootings, bombings and killings since the 70s from the IRA. Hopefully after everything that has happened to our stateside cousins - they will stop funding the IRA?
I live in downtown DC and have noticed many surburbanites coming into the city to fill up their gas tanks instead of their usual cheaper stations outside the city and it is a bit quieter on the roads. I have to say, I do look at the cars on the street a bit more carefully, but I am not going to let this freak with a gun stop me anymore than I would a terrorist threat. My chances of getting hurt are much greater walking around the city as many drivers talk on their cell phones while driving.
Unfortunately, many of us have been lulled into thinking that things like this could "never happen in our neighbourhood". We're finally realising that none of us are immune from something like this. I refuse to live in fear, but I am much more wary when in public places. This will certainly cause more debate about gun laws and perhaps people like this sniper are a good reason to have capital punishment.
I live in Montgomery County, Maryland, where the first five sniper murders occurred. I respectfully take exception with Tom Carver's analysis that "the right to own a firearm is embedded in the American psyche like a splinter of flint, jagged and immovable." This leaves the impression that all Americans own guns or support unrestricted gun ownership. Actually, many Americans support strong restrictions on guns and would never own one.
The killings are as random as lightening. I have lived in and around Manassas for the better part of 15 years. The sniper is something to be concerned about, but I do not live in fear or hide. Worrying about it does no good since there is nothing I can do about it.
One of my co-workers summed up the feelings this sniper has left us with. He said, "Well now we have more of an idea of what it's like to live in the Middle East." Hopefully some good can come out of these attacks, and we'll at least be more compassionate to others.
Ayoko Vias, Maryland, USA
This is the terrorism I truly fear.
Originally we did not feel like explaining the sniper situation to our just-turned five-year-old son, so we told him the reason he had no recess was the threat of Hurricane Lili. This proved to be short-lived when the next day he announced "It's not because of a hurricane. It's because there are bad guys hiding in the trees trying to shoot us." How utterly depressing.
Dona, Maryland, USA
I live in New Jersey, no one is panicking, though it is a subject of lunchtime debate.
America is full of contradictions. The authorities say take the drug dealers off the streets and the drug problem will diminish. When it is suggested that the guns be taken out of the public hands, screams of outrage go up from the kill-it-if-moves fringe. Hardly one of them can accurately quote the constitutional amendment they say gives them the right to be an army of one.
Any time I'm standing still in a public place it's in the back of my mind that I'm a potential target. It's incredible how little connection is made here between the relative availability of guns and the general level of violent crime in our culture.
I have always loved living in Washington DC and raising my children here. When I get nervous, I think about Israelis who constantly have to look over their shoulders for suicide bombers - and yet go on with their with their daily lives.
Mkondrac, USA
Please do not let this fanatic wreak havoc in your lives. I grew up in a violent society where mercenaries were paid $10 for every man they killed in a state sponsored violence. I have been shot at a dozen times. I have witnessed people being shot and killed in front of me but I was never afraid. I hope and pray that this trigger happy monster is arrested soon.
I have just returned from a fact finding mission in Gaza, and having had guns trained on me by IDF soldiers and a bullet whistle past me, I know how it feels to be hunted. I sympathise with people of the US and hope they catch this monster, but please remember that an innocent Palestinian farmer cut down in his fields by violent settlers is no less a crime.
Joe, USA, Maryland
I am a graduate student at Howard
University in
DC. Some students who live in
Baltimore have been afraid to drive in
for classes. I'm not afraid in the day except for
fleeting moments (I calm myself by
remembering the low probability of my
being or knowing a future victim) but
at night I dream of a gunman pursuing
me. Many students in my classes are angry that so
much attention is being paid to these
killings when murders in poor, black
neighbourhoods usually get slim to no
media coverage. It seems like this
series of murders is getting a lot of
media play because it's a good story,
like an exciting film, police TV programme,
or murder mystery novel. I notice myself
getting caught up in that kind of
ghoulish interest too.
I am an 18-year-old student in the suburbs of DC, and live close to the petrol station someone was shot at today. It seems unreal that so many strangers are dying around you. Though they're strangers, they're part of the community and you can't help regret the loss and fear the next one.
Cheryl Ruiz, Maryland, USA
Living only a few miles from the scene of the latest shooting, I find myself more aware of my surroundings now. I take a moment to look around before exiting my vehicle, but I don't live in fear. Undoubtedly, this person will strike again and again, leading to their capture or killing. This killer is leaving behind clues. He will be caught.
Being an expatriate Brit living in Silver Spring, MD it's been unnerving in the extreme. One feels like a deer wandering in the forest, with a hunter able to strike on a whim. My two-year-old son is luckily locked-down in pre-school, but many other stay at home parents dare not even go to the parks, as the unease is too great.
Greg Beattie, USA
I live only five blocks north of the Shell gas station in Kensington where the woman was killed last week. We moved from DC into the suburbs because we thought it was safer. Kensington is so quiet that nothing ever happens there but now we are terrified. Every day routine tasks like filling gas have become high stress situations.
Natalia Fisher, Maryland, USA
I live in Annapolis, Maryland and work about eight miles from the site of the school shooting in Bowie. I have a 12-year-old son and 16-year-old daughter. While we have not changed the pattern of our lives, it is disconcerting to know that this person will act again and that this time it could be me or my own. While we all recognise that death can take us at any moment, this has somehow brought that into focus. I am reminded of the lives led by those in Sarajevo during the long siege.
Eric, Washington, DC, USA
The White Flint location is two minutes from my house. We shop at many of those places in the White Flint Mall and Aspen Hill. As if the other killings weren't enough, the recent shooting of the boy going to school is a complete outrage. I was afraid last week but after yesterday, I am more angry than I am afraid. The person/s responsible for this latest wave of fear could not possibly be human when you deliberately target a defenceless child.
I live in the suburbs of DC, and this is terrifying. The killings are so completely random. In a way, it's more frightening than the terrorist attacks of last year, just because there doesn't seem to be a pattern or motive.
Filling petrol the other day I took a sharp look around and got into the car while it filled up. From the parking lot of a bookstore I hurried inside changing the direction of walk frequently. The gunmen, skilful and cold, has unleashed a terror few can escape fearing. Our lives are again disrupted with children¿s activities cancellations, fear of walking outdoors, calls enquiring about our safety and becoming keenly aware of our surroundings. It is an anomaly that in developed nations such people are left unchecked.
Jan Cordani, USA/ Maryland
I live in Northern Virginia about 30 minutes away from most of these shootings, and I work in downtown Washington. The fact that there's no clear pattern to these killings frightens me. I'm now very careful when I walk places, and I try to avoid white unmarked vans as much as possible. This is definitely terrorism.
It isn't just Maryland. We live in Fredericksburg VA where the seventh shooting took place. I'm very scared. Even going to the end of the driveway to get the mail is an frightening experience. You scan the woods around you wondering if the shot will come.
I have lived in Montgomery County for four years. The five shootings on Thursday happened within 10km of my home. It is scary to have a sniper shooting where I purchase gas, groceries, and craft supplies. My husband and I are nervous about getting gas. I am constantly looking around in the woods or bushes to see if I spot anything unusual. This is very unsettling.
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10 Oct 02 | Americas
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