Can I shoot him question

[mbt2001]

Supposing I was in the mall and I notice this tall dude in robes and a beard coming toward me. Supposing that I then see him carrying a dialysis machine behind him and I look carefully at his face and KNOW him to be Osama Bin Laden. Suppose I then deploy my weapon, shoot and kill him.

Would I be arrested and tried for murder?

http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/terbinladen.htm

My point is more food for thought... I doubt that you would be convicted by a jury, the question I am curious about is would it be illegal. I wonder...

 

[yenchisks]

O my o dear what?

 

[X-Rap]

What about the reward?
You would probably be sued in civil court by the ACLU.

 

[CoRoMo]

Good grief.

 

[ridata]

2000 posts? I'm shocked.

If it can be proved that he is Osama, you'll get off. I wouldn't recommend shooting someone you are just matching up to pictures, however.

 

[calaverasslim]

If you didn't have so many posts, I just guess that you like to see your name in print.

One of the most ridicules "what if" question I have seen on this forum

 

[CoRoMo]

Okay, still open, so I'll add something of more value.

I suppose that Bin Laden is in fact a clear and present threat to you through his declaration of jihad against the west, so you could argue self defense.

 

[Dark Skies]

I'm pretty sure Osama (although the FBI have him down as Usama) would still be considered innocent until proven guilty in the eyes of the law. Even Saddam had his day in court.

 

[Duelist]

For one thing...why would he have a dialysis machine in the mall?

You would probably (in NY state) be arrested for homicide. Whether it would go to trial or not is a different story. I doubt a jury of 12 peers is going to find you guilty for bagging OBL in a mall.

 

[woof]

Do a Gomer and yell, Citizen's Arrest, Citizen's Arrest!, but don't shoot unless he pulls out an AK first.

 

[rbernie]

I can see no good coming from this thread. However, I'm outside my AO and if anyone wants to make a case to the forum moderators for reopening this, I'd be OK with that.

If the OP is really curious - do an comprehensive review of the legalities and issues associated with the use of deadly force outside of a self-defense setting.