§2332f Bombings of Places of Public Use, Government Facilities, Public Transportation Systems and Infrastructure Facilities

Summary

Makes it a federal crime to illegally place, set off, or try to set off an explosive or other deadly device at public places, government sites, public transit, or infrastructure when the act is done to kill or seriously hurt people, or to cause large destruction that will likely lead to major economic loss. Trying or planning to do these acts is a crime too. The law applies in many situations: when the crime happens in the United States with certain foreign or diplomatic connections, when the crime happens abroad but involves U.S. nationals or U.S. ships/aircraft or is tied to trying to force a government, or when a suspect is found in the United States. Penalties are those set out in section 2332a(a). The law does not cover lawful military actions during an armed conflict, official acts by a country’s military forces, or certain crimes that only involve U.S. citizens found in the U.S. with no substantial effect on interstate or foreign commerce. The law also defines key words in brief: “serious bodily injury” — as defined in section 1365(g)(3); “national of the United States” — as defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act; “state or government facility” — places used by government officials; “intergovernmental organization” — includes international organizations; “infrastructure facility” — services like water, sewage, energy, fuel, or communications; “place of public use” — locations open to the public such as stores, schools, religious or entertainment sites; “public transportation system” — public transport facilities and vehicles; “explosive” — a device able to cause death, serious injury, or major damage; “other lethal device” — weapons that can spread toxic chemicals, biological agents or toxins, or radiation; “military forces of a state” — organized armed forces and their supporting personnel; “armed conflict” — does not include riots or isolated acts of violence; “state” — as that word is used in international law.