MovieChat Forums > Two-Minute Warning (1976) Discussion > Is it just luck that we haven't had a sn...

Is it just luck that we haven't had a sniper at a major sporting event?

posted 13 years ago by uscmd
6 replies | jump to latest

We've had shootings in most other venues where large groups of people congregate. On top of lots of people in one place, few of these venues offer the exposure and the link to "what is Americana."

I know bags are searched etc. I'm certain, that sporting stadiums are examined from the point of view of where could or would a shooter hide. Sadly, I'd be willing to bet one day it will happen.

We are no longer naive, our societal innocence is no more.

[–] WarpedRecord 13 years ago

The thought certainly occurred to me while watching this film. I almost hesitate to comment on this issue because it's bound to happen eventually. Outside of drunken brawls, it seems most major sporting events have been relatively peaceful. The only recent exceptions in the U.S. that I can think of were the Olympic Park bombing in Atlanta in 1996 and the car plowing into the crowd before the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Yes, people at sporting events go through the standard pat-downs and searches, which seem largely superficial. Tragedies have occurred at political gatherings, rock concerts, schools and workplaces. Being in public (or in private, for that matter) carries a degree of risk, and the more people, the more risk. I hate to think of the possibilities, and it does no good to worry about the "What ifs." Mostly I just stay home and watch movies like this, which are still fictional.

[–] santannadiablo 12 years ago

We've had it a long time ago: http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1755&dat=19730805&id=hNs eAAAAIBAJ&sjid=02YEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4291,2570075

[–] darthkarl66 10 years ago

It could be done, with patience. Even at an event as large as the Super Bowl. You could hide the weapon and ammunition months before the game. Put it somewhere that won't be searched. Then, patience. It could be done, and I hope it never is.

[–] grapeape67 9 years ago

I thought about that as well. With "sleeper cells" and the random shootings that seem all too common these days, I think it's a matter of time.
But with tight security, it would likely have to be an "inside job".
Maybe a maintenance man who could go around unnoticed, carrying a bag of "tools".
I think the scenes of panic are pretty realistic as far as what would happen.
People WOULD literally crush others to get out of a stadium.

[–] darthkarl66 9 years ago

While it hasn't happened at a major sporting event. It has happened. Charles Whitman.

[–] wordsatplaytoday 7 years ago

And then there were the bombs at the Boston Marathon.

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Thanx!