The Federal Bureau of Investigation defines Terrorism as the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government or civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.

This complex definition can be broken down:

1.1. To label an act as terrorism, it must be a criminal act against the law. Expressing an opinion that is threatening to our way of life is NOT illegal.

2.2. The goal of terrorism is to force change. In general, the target of the terrorist attack is not the “goal”, but rather something symbolic which is meant to send a message.

3.3. The goal will have a specific objective which separates terrorism from common crimes.