Sniper attacks The shooting began October 2 and within 48 hours five people were dead. They were hit while performing seemingly routine tasks: pumping gas, mowing the grass, shopping. All were killed by a single bullet. As the shootings continued, jittery residents tried to remain calm. Law enforcement agents are now poring over the scene of the shootings, searching for clues. Click on the map for more details of the victims. Sniper chronology Geographic profiling Washington diary