The person responsible for shooting at military buildings in Northern Virginia might have skipped work recently or could be going through a divorce, federal authorities said Monday as the FBI posted a $20,000 reward for information that leads to his or her conviction.SClB
Five buildings have been targeted by a late-night sniper since mid-October. The last reported shooting was Nov. 2 at a Coast Guard recruiting station in Woodbridge.
SClB”We are following every lead that comes in and continue to call for the assistance of the public in helping us identify the person or persons responsible,” said John G. Perren, acting assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington field office. “We are confident that someone out there has additional information that will be helpful to this investigation.”
SClBThe FBI said the shooter might exhibit certain characteristics that the public may have noticed.
¥ Because the shooter was out at night during the early morning hours, he or she might have skipped work the following day or provide some excuse to justify their absence.
¥ The shooter might have experienced a significant personal crisis within the past several months, such as the loss of job, divorce or financial hardship.
¥ The shooter is familiar with the Northern Virginia area from living or working here.
SClBThe five shootings occurred during the overnight and early morning hours of Oct. 16-17, Oct. 19, Oct. 25-26, Oct. 28-29 and Nov. 1-2. The shootings occurred at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the Pentagon, a U.S. Marine Corps recruiting facility and a U.S. Coast Guard recruiting facility.
SClBThe FBI has confirmed that shots were fired by a single weapon.
SClBAuthorities have not released the type or caliber of the weapon, but investigators previously said it appeared that the shots were fired from a high-powered rifle.
SClBAnyone with information can contact the FBI’s Washington Field Office at 202-278-2000 or e-mail [email protected].
SClBAll information will be kept strictly confidential, authorities said.
