Charles A. Sherwood wrote:
they found a .50 caliber BAR on a tripod aimed out his living room
window, ready to mow down everyone on the street.

Last time I looked, the 50s were bolt action. Not likely to mow
down.

Well, if you're shooting into a thick crowd, you're going to mow a few
down with even one round, as it'll go through several people without
really slowing down.