18 U.S.C. § 2332b – Acts of Terrorism Transcending National Boundaries
This statute criminalizes violent terrorist acts that cross U.S. borders or involve international conduct.
This is a core federal terrorism statute. It is broader than § 2332a and often used as a framework charge because it pulls together violence, interstate commerce hooks, conspiracy liability, and extraterritorial jurisdiction.
What conduct is covered.
A person violates this statute if, in conduct that occurs both inside and outside the United States, they:
- Kill, kidnap, maim, or assault someone (including assault with a dangerous weapon)
- Create a substantial risk of serious bodily injury by destroying or damaging property
- Attempt, conspire, or threaten to commit any of the above
The underlying conduct must also violate either federal law or state law.
Jurisdictional reach.
Federal jurisdiction exists if any of the following applies:
- Use of mail or interstate / foreign commerce facilities
- An effect (or intended effect) on interstate or foreign commerce
- The victim is the U.S. government, a service member, or a federal official or employee
- The targeted property belongs to or is leased by the United States
- The offense occurs in U.S. territorial waters or special maritime jurisdiction
The government does not need to prove that the defendant knew which jurisdictional hook applied.
Penalties.
Sentencing depends on the underlying conduct:
- Death or killing → death penalty or life imprisonment
- Kidnapping → any term of years or life
- Maiming → up to 35 years
- Assault with a dangerous weapon or serious bodily injury → up to 30 years
- Property destruction → up to 25 years
- Threats → up to 10 years
Any sentence under this statute must run consecutively. Probation is not permitted.
Extraterritorial scope.
This statute explicitly applies outside the United States. Accessories after the fact and co-conspirators may be prosecuted federally as long as one jurisdictional condition applies to one offender.
Why this statute matters.
Section 2332b supplies the formal definition of a “Federal crime of terrorism.” That definition triggers enhanced sentencing, detention rules, and procedural consequences throughout federal law, even in cases charged under other statutes.
View the official U.S. Code version here.
If you are under investigation for a terrorism-related offense or a conspiracy with international elements, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense attorneys immediately. Early defense strategy matters more in these cases than almost any other area of federal law.
