People who intentionally spread Covid-19 in the US can be convicted of 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 stated that the SARS-CoV-2 virus meets the statutory definition of a “biological agent.” Therefore, intentionally spreading 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 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 headed by New Jersey Attorney Craig Carpenito and will include representatives from state attorneys general and several departments and agencies under the Justice Department. However, the US Department of Health has not yet announced a specific list of items subject to management under the Defense Production Act.

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