A N.Y city Doctor blew up a building on a crowded city block, why wasn't that classified as terrorism?

Answer 1

That's a good question. After all, from what I've read, his whole point was to "terrorize." He apparently terrorized his wife for many years and now that she's divorcing him, he's decided to terrorize anyone within a block radius. Sick puppy, that one.

Answer 2

Possibly because terrorism is usually defined as someone going to a separate country to speak out (or terrorize) a country that has policies that they don't agree with.

Example: A man from a country that is in war with another blows up the capital building of the opposing county=terrorism

A man blows up the home of a neighbor he has a conflict with=not terrorism, but rather, violence or unnecessary violence

I hope this helps. :)

Answer 3

The American Heritage Dictionary defines terrorism as "The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons."

This was not directed against a government or society nor was it for ideological or political reasons - he wanted to kill himself and deny his wife the house

Answer 4

Well speculation has it that he was trying to kill him self only, & the building. He didn’t want his wife to get the building (he’s lost it to her in their divorce settlement.)

I’m not sure but I think a “terrorist” is some one who wants to hurt others to, where buildings (or any non human object / being) aren’t counted.

What about the woman in Brockton Ma? She got in a fight with the 1st floor tenants then torched the house. A woman on 3rd floor died, leaving behind 4 children.

What do you call that?

Answer 5

Quite simple. He just wanted to blow up the building, not intent on killing people. I think he wanted to be close by with others nearby so if he died, they may not have ruled it a suicide.

There was no political or religious intent. Divorce can sometimes do that to a guy - especially in NY!

Answer 6

It's my understanding, from the limited reports I have heard, that it was a botched suicide attempt.

I would think, in order it to be considered terrorism, the intent to terrorize someone would need to be present.

Answer 7

Because terrorism is when you target a specific group of people intentionally b/c of their race, religious beliefs... or other prejudice reason. If he were crazy or simply angry, then it wouldn't be terrorism.

Answer 8

Because he wasn't trying to terrorize anyone.

Unless you count his wife.

Answer 9

if he was trying to influence politics

or cause social change

or further an ideology or cause

that would normally be classed as terrorism

if he was trying to kill himself, or his girlfriend, or something else personal, it would normally not be considered "terrorism"

as the name implies, you have be trying to terrify people for it to be "terrorism"

Answer 10

The doctor owned the building and it was his intent to harm only himself, not others. A terrorist's first intention is to kill others and themselves second.