Reactions to sniper vary

Along with the rest of the Washington Metro area, Blair students have been significantly affected by the recent sniper attacks.

The news here and all around the world has been covering the attacks heavily and have shown the culture in and around the DC area has been one of fear, caution, and anger. "Sometimes I think of a bullet flying out of nowhere," said sophomore Ryan Dean.

The fear that has really engulfed the area is the dread of going to gas stations. There have been reports of people crouching, people sitting in their cars, and of people avoiding gas stations on the main roads. Three of the 11 shootings have been at seemingly random gas stations around the area and there are a variety of theories about how to avoid being the next victim. "My friend told me that I should get gas at the stations that have already been struck, like Sunoco," said senior Sophie Strike.

Junior Kelly Anne Mifflin who is on the varsity soccer team, feels angry about the "unfair" shootings that have repeatedly delayed her soccer practices and games. "We had to cancel all this stuff we were looking forward to," she said. Mifflin thinks that the shooter should not be able to manipulate the DC area. "We cannot let him control our lives," she said.

Senior Jackie Jones knows she should be careful but feels powerless against the shooter. "He is so unpredictable that you shouldn't change your daily routine," she said. Jones said that you never know when the shooter is going to strike so "you shouldn't base your life around him."

In general Blair students have noticed that everyone in the area has been acting differently. "People are more cautious and afraid to go out," said Jones.

Dean was quick to point out that the reason this sniper has been getting so much attention is because Montgomery County is "prime real estate." He said that shootings such as these are common events in some cities. "This sort of stuff happens all the time in east LA and southeast DC and no one cares about those people."

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