People who intentionally spread Covid-19 in the US could be charged with terrorism

US Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said terrorism charges could be filed against those who intentionally spread Covid-19.

In guidance sent to Justice Department leaders and prosecutors across the country, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said that the SARS-CoV-2 virus meets the statutory definition of a “biological agent.” Therefore, the intentional spread of the virus could trigger terrorism-related charges.

This is the guidance from the US Department of Justice to prevent the intentional spread of Covid-19 in the community. Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen affirmed that the act of threatening or using Covid-19 as a weapon against Americans will not be tolerated. These acts are considered “serious” in the context of the US government's efforts to prevent the rapid spread of Covid-19.

The US Department of Justice has also established a task force to address hoarding of essential items in the fight against Covid-19. In a meeting at the White House, Attorney General Bill Barr said that hoarding of essential items, such as masks, will be prosecuted. The task force will be led by New Jersey Attorney Craig Carpenito and will include representatives from state attorneys general and several departments and agencies under the Department of Justice. However, the US Department of Health and Human Services has not yet announced a specific list of items subject to management under the Defense Production Act.

A New Jersey man was charged with making a “terrorist threat” after he coughed on a grocery store employee and denied having COVID-19. According to the New Jersey Attorney’s Office, George Falcone, 50, intentionally leaned toward a cashier in the store and coughed after the employee asked him to stand back while she packed some groceries.