Highest Degree In Army Shooting

Washington Post reported on 25th that John Allen Muhammad (41), who has been arrested by U.S. police as sniper suspect near Washington, had worked well in army for 17 years, but, became worse due to two times divorce, retirement and fail of business.

The newspaper delivered that he began using Muhammad instead of his original name, Williams, after becoming a member of Islamic organization ‘NI (Nation of Islam)’ in mid-90s’ following his ex-wife’s words.

Muhammad became soldier in 1985 after graduating high school and participated in gulf war in year 1991. He was exclusively managing bombs and arms. However, he received ‘expert’ degree in shooting test, which is the highest grade. This grade can be granted if soldier shoots above 36 targets among 40 from 50~300m distance.

He was sentenced to confinement for seven days under suspicion of violating non-commissioned officer while sergeant, but he was awarded badge like liberation of Kuwait. His fellow official testified that he was a ‘good husband and a thoughtful person’ until his retirement in 1994.

But, his work didn’t go well after retirement. He failed to run car parts shop and opened ‘Karate institute’ in Islam residential area at Tacoma, Washington, however, it collapsed due to few applicants.

He divorced Carol leaving her one son in 1987 and married Mildred in 1988, but after having three children, he divorced again due to financial problems in 1999.

Both ex-wives didn’t give right of upbringing their children to Muhammad and he suffered due to it, said Washington post.

He wandered without house since last year and was arrested because of stealing meat in February this year. Likewise, Muhammad has become ‘failed businessman’ and ‘frustrated father’, delivered the newspaper.

However, his passion for gun was great. Tacoma inhabitants said that he trained his son shooting, several times and used to speak well of 9.11 attack, reported Seattle times.

His adopted son Lee Malbo (17), who has been arrested with him, was from Jamaica. He smuggled himself into Miami last year following his parents who dealt in drugs. He separated from father and came to Tacoma with mother, and came to know Muhammad. Malbo and Muhammad stayed together since October last year Malbo, who was an illegal entrant, was supposed to be exiled on 20th, November as suspect of INS.

The two bought secondhand car, Chevrolet Capris, at Trenton, New Jersey in 250 dollars and said to the seller, “We will go to Washington by this car.” This word became important clue for investigation and start of crime that put Washington citizens into fear for three weeks.

Ki-Tae Kwon kkt@donga.com