Random Musings About Software

The 39-year-old Jordanian-born terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi dubbed "The Prince of al Qaeda in Iraq" by Osama bin Laden had eluded U.S. and Iraqi authorities for years, often mocking them with recorded messages and videotapes.

His luck ran out on Wednesday, when he was killed by a coalition airstrike on what was supposed to be a "safe house" in Baquba.

Pentagon sources stated that U.S. Special Forces had tracked al-Zarqawi by following one of his key lieutenants and spiritual adviser, Sheik Abd-al-Rahman.

"Good morning. Last night in Iraq, United States military forces killed the terrorist al Zarqawi. At 6:15 p.m. Baghdad time, special operation forces, acting on tips and intelligence from Iraqis, confirmed Zarqawi's location, and delivered justice to the most wanted terrorist in Iraq." - President George Bush

One more update on everyone's favourite Ranger Hero. It appears that Jesse Adam Macbeth was born Jesse Adam Al-Zaid and that he's been arrested for Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card and currently has a Bench Warrant out for his Arrest on an Assault charge.

I also went back to watched the videos a second time. In part 2 (it's a 3 part video) Jesse states "If i ever have to fight again man it'll be to take that asshole out of office." This was in the context of our President. Now the law is clear here:

THREATS AGAINST PRESIDENT - 18 USC 871, makes it a Federal crime or offense for anyone to willfully make a true threat to injure or kill the President of the United States.

A person can be found guilty of that offense only if all of the following facts are proved beyond a reasonable doubt:

First: That the person uttered words alleged to be the threat against the President;

Second: That the person understood and meant the words he used as a true threat; and

Third: That the person uttered the words knowingly and willfully.

A "threat" is a statement expressing an intention to kill or injure the President; and a "true threat" means a serious threat as distinguished from words used as mere political argument, idle or careless talk, or something said in a joking manner.

The essence of the offense is the knowing and willful making of a true threat. So, if it is proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the person knowingly made a true threat against the President, willfully intending that it be understood by others as a serious threat, then the offense is complete; it is not necessary to prove that the person actually intended to carry out the threat.

I wonder if Jesse is about to get visited by the Secret Service.