18 U.S.C. § 1116 – Murder or Manslaughter of Foreign Officials, Official Guests, or Internationally Protected Persons
This statute makes it a federal crime to kill or attempt to kill certain foreign officials, official guests, and internationally protected persons.
What this statute does.
Section 1116 extends federal homicide jurisdiction to acts targeting foreign officials, official guests of the United States, and internationally protected persons. It applies to both completed killings and attempts.
The statute implements international treaty obligations and is designed to protect diplomatic and internationally protected individuals.
Who is protected.
The statute covers:
- Foreign officials present in the United States on official business
- Official guests designated by the Secretary of State
- Internationally protected persons under international law
- Qualifying family members accompanying or residing with such persons
Penalty structure.
Section 1116 does not create independent penalties. Instead, punishment is determined by the underlying offense:
- Murder: punished under 18 U.S.C. § 1111
- Manslaughter: punished under 18 U.S.C. § 1112
- Attempted murder or manslaughter: punished under 18 U.S.C. § 1113
This structure mirrors § 1114 and focuses on who the victim is, not how the offense is charged.
Extraterritorial jurisdiction.
When the victim is an internationally protected person outside the United States, federal jurisdiction exists if:
- The victim is a U.S. representative or agent
- The offender is a U.S. national
- The offender is later found in the United States
Enforcement authority.
The Attorney General may request assistance from federal, state, or local agencies, including military branches, in enforcing this statute and related conspiracy or attempt provisions.
If you are being investigated or charged under a federal homicide statute involving protected persons, call (314) 900-HELP or
contact our federal criminal defense attorneys.
