Were terrorists like Timothy McVeigh or Ted K the Unibomber called "domestic terrorists" when they committed their crimes or was this label applied years later? Was th anthrax scare refered to as terrorism at the time?
the history of the term, or when it was first used, but according to this, it looks like 1992 is when it was added to federal law as a definition, assuming I am reading the references properly.
It was probably used journalistically earlier. It's not that surgical/unique a term where it would be easy to find the first reference. Link - ( New Window )
most certainly were domestic terrorism. Certainly had a political/ideological agenda. Is the argument that since he acted alone ? Not sure that would matter. Surely some other people vaguely agreed with his agenda in spirit if not in deed.
Definitions of domestic terrorism[edit]
The statutory definition of domestic terrorism in the United States has changed many times over the years; also, it can be argued that acts of domestic terrorism have been occurring since long before any legal definition was set forth.
Under current United States law, set forth in the USA PATRIOT Act, acts of domestic terrorism are those which: "(A) involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State; (B) appear to be intended – (i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and (C) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States."[2]
industry depends on these definitions. Since 9/11 a terrorism clause has been added to insurance policies. Domestic Terrorism is specifically excluded from coverage even if you opt to purchase terrorism coverage.
Ted K was not considered a terrorist because he targeted specific people and had a far lower body count, thus he was considered a criminal.
It was probably used journalistically earlier. It's not that surgical/unique a term where it would be easy to find the first reference.
Link - ( New Window )
The statutory definition of domestic terrorism in the United States has changed many times over the years; also, it can be argued that acts of domestic terrorism have been occurring since long before any legal definition was set forth.
Under current United States law, set forth in the USA PATRIOT Act, acts of domestic terrorism are those which: "(A) involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State; (B) appear to be intended – (i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and (C) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States."[2]
Link - ( New Window )
As are most terrorists
But religious ones, of which there are a lot more of obviously, are generally not. They rationally believe they are working for God.
but will it rise again?