tryagainThe beginning of the end
southsamuraiThat was the plan.
I strongly suspect this was a fabricated attempt. It wasn’t some kind of impossible shot. Only reasons for it to have failed are an utter lack of ability on the part of the shooter, or it was supposed to miss.
A bad shooter is definitely possible, but it just smacks of an intentional attack made to enrage followers.
The shooter was under high stress. He probably didn’t have that many seconds to make the shot before he would be spotted by Secret Service.
According to reports he also used an AR-15, which is not ideal for that kind of range.
Initial reports are saying he was on the roof for several minutes. I’m sure more/better details will come in the following days.
As for the range, 125 yds is WELL within effective range for AR-15s and .223/5.56. Personally, mine is sighted for 220 yd so the ballistic markings are accurate out to 600 yds. There’s a nearby 500 yd range that people frequently take their AR-15s to for longer range shooting. This is also considered “medium range” as far as rifles go.