Students plan to go home despite sniper

The recent string of sniper attacks in the Washington metropolitan area has troubled residents at the University as they prepare to return home for Fall Break.

However, despite some anxiety, most students plan to proceed as usual.

Since Oct. 2, 12 shootings have resulted in eight deaths in Washington and its surrounding Maryland and Virginia suburbs. As a result, some metro area elementary and secondary schools have cancelled outdoor activities, including athletic events.

Local universities are proceeding as usual, but with caution. Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Va., where two of the shootings occurred, issued a warning to students but also decided to continue classes and other activities as planned.

The Princeton Club in Washington has also been proceeding with its scheduled events.

"We haven't cancelled anything," said Sheila Summers, executive secretary of the Princeton Club in Washington. "Most people in Washington aren't. The schools are, but that's about it."

A luncheon held last week by the club on Capitol Hill had an excellent turnout, she noted.

The University men's golf team is scheduled to compete Oct. 27-28 at the Georgetown Invitational. Head Coach Will Green said the team is still planning to go unless it receives word from either Georgetown or Princeton that it would be unsafe.

Though many Princeton students intend to return home for break, some will not be acting exactly as they would have before the shootings.

"I was terrified when I first heard it, but it's not going to deter me from going home," said Rachel Blair '05 of Fort Washington, Md. "But I was going to visit a friend at Mary Washington. I'm definitely not doing that now."

Washington area residents said they understand some students from out of town may choose not to travel there during break.

"The sniper makes me worry for D.C.'s economy," said Stephanie Amann '05, of McLean, Va. "I wouldn't want to go to D.C., and no one wants to stop for gas."

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Amann said she intends to go home over break.

The 12 shootings have occurred mainly in public places with access to major highways. Four of the shootings occurred at gas stations.

Thus far, authorities have been unable to link the shootings beyond these facts. Police recently released an image of a white box truck they believe to be linked to the sniper.

Regardless of whether authorities apprehend the sniper before Fall Break, most students intend to go on with their routines as best they can while traveling and visiting home.

"Everyone is being cautious but going about their business as usual," said Brian Barrett '03 of Bethesda, Md. "Just like people have been saying for the past year, you can't live in fear."

The Los Angeles Times-Washington Post newswire contributed to this report.