Recollections of the sniper rampage

Here is a selection, from comments made online and by e-mail, of people's recollections of the anxiety and tensions created by the sniper shootings in 2002:

. . .

When the sniper was in the Richmond area, we were very concerned. We would drive to Richmond to visit son and daughter, and usually stopped, on U.S. 360 at the small shopping center near Amelia. As we would go into the McDonald's there, I would look across the highway and see the woods where a sniper might easily hide.

My daughter lived very close to U.S. 301, and had to drive a portion of it every day going to Atlee High School.

This sort of fear was hard for ordinary citizens to undergo.

-- Nell O'Brien, Chase City

. . .

I just remember really being scared -- to send my children to school, for my entire family to be in any open space for this sicko to take a shot at. It really was an act of terrorism. . . .

-- online post by mssomething

. . .

I remember standing on the sidelines at my son's soccer games, scanning the trees and parking lot for a potential sniper. I remember taking my daughter to her Girl Scouts meeting and scurrying her inside. I remember our schools closing because this madman had told authorities that none of our children were safe -- and then finding out that he and his accomplice had been less than half a mile from the school where I teach.

-- online post by rebecca

. . .

The killing outside of the Post Office in Silver Spring, Md., was 1 mile from my son's home. As a mother I cannot express the anguish that I felt. I did not know if my child would be next if he went outside. I have always been unsure if putting someone to death is the answer. But what this man did to innocent men, women and children has changed my mind.

-- online post by pgirl

. . .

I remember the fright and terror he caused everyone from DC to VA during that time. Schools closing and people afraid to put gas in their cars. Law enforcement is to be commended for the outstanding job they did to stop the sniper and his [accomplice]. . . . I hope the families and all those affected have found peace and comfort.

-- online post by RealityChec