If there is a sure way to grab someone’s attention – threatening to commit terrorist activities is a top contender. Unfortunately, what might seem like a harmless prank can lead to dire consequences.
State and federal agencies take all terroristic threats seriously. They investigate them stringently and seek to prosecute those who make such threats even if they never intended to follow through.
What qualifies as terroristic threats?
Essentially, any threats or acts of violence meant to cause chaos or fear among the population could be considered a threat of terrorism. Here are some examples.
- Bomb or explosives: Claiming to have planted a bomb in a public place or threatening to detonate an explosive device.
- Property destruction: Threatening to commit arson or destroy a building, bridge or other significant structure.
- Weapons of mass destruction. Claiming you plan to release biological agents, disperse chemical substances, or expose individuals to radiological materials.
- Cyber attacks. Threatening to carry out cyber-attacks that could cripple critical infrastructure or steal sensitive information.
- Mass shootings. Proclaiming you will conduct a mass shooting at a school, workplace or public event.
- Kidnapping. Saying you plan to abduct an individual or group of people.
- Hostage-taking. Claiming you intend to take hostages to fulfill political or personal demands.
Even if you take no further action, the threat alone can result in severe legal consequences.
The law in Minnesota is clear: any threat to commit a crime of violence to cause terror, or even acting with reckless disregard for the risk of causing such terror, is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine approaching $10,000. Whether you are an adult charged with this offense or the parent of a vulnerable youth, it is vital to fight against these charges.