Courtesy: WTOP News
As the DC Sniper Case Happened – From Day One Through Capture
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A curated collection of unforgettable history,
exclusively at the National Law Enforcement Museum
In October 2002, the Washington, DC, region was gripped by fear as two gunmen turned everyday life into a battlefield. For 23 relentless days, ten innocent people were killed, three others wounded, and millions lived under the constant threat of the next shot. Pumping gas, walking to school, or simply stepping outside became acts of courage—no one knew where or when the snipers would strike again.
Without Warning immerses visitors in those haunting weeks and the extraordinary investigation that followed. Through powerful artifacts—the modified vehicle used by the gunmen, the rifle that terrorized a region, photographs of the victims, and chilling 9-1-1 recordings—the exhibit captures the tension, uncertainty, and human cost of the attacks.
Beyond the fear and chaos, this story is one of resilience and resolve. It reveals how hundreds of officers from local, state, and federal agencies worked side by side in one of the most complex, high-pressure manhunts in American history. Their coordination, commitment, and courage ended the terror and restored safety to our communities.
Without Warning: Ending the Terror of the DC Snipers is more than an account of crime and investigation—it is a reflection on the fragility of safety, the strength of collaboration, and the unwavering dedication of those who protect and serve.
Exhibit Highlights
Exhibit will be open May 7. 2026 – December 30, 2027
In this exhibit, visitors can expect to experience:
- The 1990 Chevrolet Caprice that the snipers modified into a mobile sniper’s nest
- The Bushmaster rifle used to shoot all 13 victims of the DC area attacks
- Original notes from the snipers left behind at crime scenes for police, including the infamous “Death” tarot card
- Chilling 9-1-1 calls and police radio transmissions from the case
- First-hand accounts from law enforcement officers who helped to catch the snipers
This is the first time the sniper car has been displayed in the DC area; this exhibit is a rare opportunity for visitors to see an important piece of local and national history.