Deliberate COVID-19 spread can be charged as terrorism

Date:

Share post:

Justice Department officials announced today anyone attempting to spread COVID-19 will be charged with acts of terrorism. The news comes as various groups across the country have encouraged spreading COVID-19 to American citizens.

Following a crash on Sunday in Chicago, a 21-year-old Anthony Ponzi was arrested and taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston after allegedly coughing on police officers. The man allegedly told officers he was infected with coronavirus while slurring his speech and foaming at the mouth, Chicago Police said.

The man later told the staff at the hospital he didn’t have the virus.
Ponzi was scheduled in Court on Monday.

“Threats or attempts to use COVID-19 as a weapon against Americans will not be tolerated,” the Justice Department said in a memo earlier today. This news follows a rapid increase in scammers trying to make a quick buck off the pandemic with cases offering phony treatments, virus testing and PPE fraud emails being seen on all corners of the Internet.

In a memo sent by Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen on Tuesday afternoon to U.S. attorneys and federal law enforcement agencies, COVID-19 meets the definition of a biological agent that could bring crimes related to it under terrorism statutes.

“Government agencies are not sending unsolicited e-mails seeking your private information,” the FBI said after phishing e-mails have been discovered looking for users’ personal information to receive an economic stimulus check.

A rise in fake PPE has also occurred in recent months dating as far back as December with many with victims claiming sellers have cited a buyer’s shipment delay ‘due to the virus.’

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related articles

Police Search for Suspect in Forgery Case in Dwight

DWIGHT, Ill - The Dwight Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in identifying a woman who is...

KidsWork Children’s Museum announces intent to move to New Lenox, leaving Frankfort residents heartbroken

NEW LENOX, Ill. - KidsWork Children's Museum, the only children's museum in Will County, is moving from its current...

Manteno Family Escapes Blaze

MANTENO, Ill. - A family is safe after a house fire broke out in their home in Eagles Landing...

Connect Roasters Expands, to open first Brick-and-Mortar Coffee Shop in Bourbonnais

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. - Connect Roasters, a renowned coffee roasting company, has exciting news for coffee lovers in Bourbonnais, Illinois,...