h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I don't know how many researchers here are from the US, but there has been a sudden spate of sniper/assassinations in Maryland in the US. I have been wondering about the reactions of the people that live there (driving their children to school, not going out for groceries, etc). Some people have said that they're frightened to go out because of what might happen, but think nothing of hopping into their car where they are MUCH more likely to be maimed or killed in an accident. However. For the victims of the sniper, what if they had thought just that morning, "maybe I shouldn't go out, I might get shot or something"? What if they were paranoid, or had some sort of idea there was a conspiracy against them, and then they ended up dead? I can't tell if that's ironic or just weird.