Terrorist Plot to Murder Police Thwarted
Like other countries, America is targeted by terrorists. The September 11, 2001 terrorist attack is still fresh in the minds of the American public. The 2013 Boston marathon bombing reminded the nation that dangers lurk in unlikely places and that terrorists have no hesitation in choosing civilian targets to wreak havoc, cause destruction, and seriously injure and kill innocents. It is not surprising that the public usually perceives terrorist acts as more severe than other serious crimes, but in some ways terrorist acts and other criminal offenses result in the same consequences. If captured alive, a terrorist faces serious criminal charges and, depending on the facts, the death penalty. A terrorist attack, however, may also be considered an act of war.
One suspected terrorist, Usaamah Abdullah Rahim, reportedly planned to gruesomely murder police officers located anywhere in America and begin in Massachusetts. Boston police, however, thwarted Rahim’s plot. After Rahim produced a large knife, they killed him with their firearms. A video recording confirmed that Rahim demanded the agents drop their guns after they directed him to drop his knife.
Beforehand, the FBI had gathered evidence that confirmed Rahim did indeed plan to kill police officers. In a wiretapped conversation, Rahim told an associate or friend that he was planning to target police officers. In separate conversations, Rahim and the associate joked about having their “heads on their chests.” The FBI explained the phrase in context: it alluded to foreign terrorist groups’ practice where, in promotional videos, their members behead their victims and place the victims’ heads on their chests. To carry out his plot, Rahim had purchased three knives online.
Terrorism is a serious offense. The United States and every state treat it as a serious offense, and juries across the country will likely feel little sympathy for any terrorist. The laws, however, not only forbid the acts terrorists commit, but also prohibit plotting, planning, or conspiring to commit a terrorist act or assisting a terrorist. Moreover, if a citizen or another individual aids a terrorist or a person the authorities accuse of terrorism, the United States and the states will not likely hesitate to charge that person with serious crimes.
If you are asked to aid anyone planning, scheming, or stating that he or she wants your assistance in plotting or planning a terrorist attack, do not agree, and do not aid that person one bit – directly or indirectly. A simple agreement to help, even a little, or to aid the person, however slightly, can result in serious charges and a lengthy sentence.
If you have questions or concerns, contact Attorney Perry A. Craft.
Perry A. Craft has dedicated his life to helping people in need. He has tried, settled, or resolved numerous civil and criminal cases in State and Federal courts, and has represented teachers and administrators before school boards, administrative judges, and the state Board of Education. Learn more about Attorney Craft.