Another victim in the Washington, D.C. area sniper attacks. A bus driver was fatally shot (Tuesday) as he stood in a bus doorway. Schools in the region are open under tight security, despite the release of a letter found at one of the crime scenes, saying that local children are not safe anywhere. Unconfirmed media reports say the note also demanded that ten-million dollars be wired to a domestic bank account. VOA-TV’s Deborah block tells us more about the latest shooting.
A 35-year-old bus driver was shot in the chest as he stood in the bus doorway. He was rushed to an area hospital where he later died.
Authorities immediately sealed off major roadways, and used military surveillance aircraft to search for the gunman. Montgomery county police captain Nancy demme said all the available resources are being used the track down the killer or killers.
CAPT. NANCY DEMME, MONTGOMERY COUNTY POLICE
“Task force is on the scene. Canine has been tracking. They are combing the woods.”
A massive array of law enforcement officials, including the FBI and other federal agencies are involved in the manhunt. Montgomery County Police Chief Charles Moose urged citizens to remain vigilant.
CHIEF CHARLES MOOSE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY POLICE
“At this point we have no vehicle lookout to share we have no person lookout to share.
In two previous shootings, police say a tarot card and a hand-written note with a phone number were left. Chief moose revealed a part of a message left by the sniper.
POLICE CHIEF CHARLES MOOSE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND
“We recognize the concerns of the community and therefore, are going to provide the exact language in the message that pertains to the threat. It is in the form or a postscript ‘Your children are not safe anywhere at any time’. We feel it important to provide this information to the public. We are not providing the remaining content of the message.”
The latest victim is the 13th person shot, and the 10th to die since the shootings began October 2nd. After several recent shootings in outlying areas, the latest one happened close to where the first five sniper attacks took place. The apparently random shootings have created a climate of fear in a large area around Washington.