How serious to they take threats against the president? If I called and did it, what would happen? (Sentinel inspired question.)
2006-06-13 12:34:56 · 18 answers · asked by Adorably Ana 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Yes, it is a federal offense, while threatening someone else typically falls under state law.
2006-06-13 12:40:40 · answer #1 · answered by James 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Threaten your neighbor and no one cares. Threaten the President, and you're in deep doo-doo. Doesn't even have to be a serious threat - back in the 1980s, someone wrote a letter to a college newspaper wishing that the assassination attempt on President Reagan had succeeded. he didn't threaten the President, he just wished the attempt had succeeded. The very next day, Secret Service agents took him in for questioning.
If they were this on top of things 20 years ago (i.e. pre-internet), you know they're ~way~ on top of the game today. Call anything in and prepare to have all your personal e-mails and phone records secretly reviewed (and I'm talking ~everything~ over the last few years - not just a week or two, not just landline - cell phones, multiple e-mail accounts, etc...), and possibly a visit from the Secret Service. Secret Service is more than just guys with guns in the field - they have a huge information division which tracks info and threats, and deals with them before anything happens.
Another true story, about 10 years ago, someone at a public computer lab noticed an empty computer with someone's e-mail still logged on, so he went there and e-mailed a threat to the white house - from another person's email account in a public lab. Secret Service brought ~him~ in for questioning within a day or two. These guys are good.
2006-06-13 21:21:05 · answer #2 · answered by Some Guy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've probably heard of Assault and Battery. Battery is the actual physical contact...Assault is the eminent threat. In actual occurences, you could actually go to jail for threatening your neighbor. But as for threats to the President or any high ranking government officials, the FBI will be at your doorstep within the hour and they don't take "I was just kidding." It is a very serious offense with some major prison time.
2006-06-13 22:32:51 · answer #3 · answered by elmat2000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. The Secret Service takes all threats made against the president seriously and are a federal offense. The Secret Service would find you and take you in for questioning.
2006-06-14 03:00:08 · answer #4 · answered by SeahawkFan37 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They do take threats against the president pretty seriously. In the past there have been people who mearly wrote a letter to the prez are investigated by the secret service. If found to be a threat, you can be charged with a federal felony.
2006-06-13 19:41:00 · answer #5 · answered by hannamyluv 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Threats against the president fall under federal juridiction. requiring a response from the secret service and the fbi. The would assess your intentions and your ability to execute those intentions. It would be a felony with some heavy prison time associated with it. Threating your neighbor would fall under your local municapal or state jurisdiction. The charges could vary from simple assault to terroristic threats. I personally wouldnt advise either, as you really dont want to draw that type of attention to yourself.
2006-06-14 01:31:41 · answer #6 · answered by zippo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You bet - it is a federal crime to threaten the President. Not a smart thing to do even if you don't like or respect the man.
The Secret Service would investigate you. You would probably go on their watch list. You might even be prosecuted. Don't do it -
2006-06-13 23:18:48 · answer #7 · answered by Mr. PhD 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep. Secret service takes ALL threats to the President serious. If they find out it was just a joke, they press even more charges.
2006-06-13 19:38:44 · answer #8 · answered by Pancakes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your threat is taken serious, showing means and ability to fullfil your threat.
Threats against your neighbor will fall under your local state laws, threats against the President falls under federal law.
2006-06-13 19:39:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, threatening the president is a federal crime therefore a felony (I think). Threatening your neighbor is not.
2006-06-13 19:39:26 · answer #10 · answered by peanutzz52 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, I like your angry 360 photo. Borderline inspiring. ( i draw people ) Second, it would appear as if...yes, it's a bigger crime to threaten the pres. Because they'll perceive that as a threat and tap your phones, watch your house...such a mess.
2006-06-13 19:40:25 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋