Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Weapons and Materials, and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction - Offenses Involving National Defense and Weapons of Mass Destruction

(c) Cross References

(1) If the offense resulted in death, apply §2A1.1 (First Degree Murder) if the death was caused intentionally or knowingly, or §2A1.2 (Second Degree Murder) otherwise, if the resulting offense level is greater than that determined above.

(2) If the offense was tantamount to attempted murder, apply §2A2.1 (Assault with Intent to Commit Murder; Attempted Murder), if the resulting offense level is greater than that determined above.

(d) Special Instruction

(1) If the defendant is convicted of a single count involving (A) conduct that resulted in the death or permanent, life-threatening, or serious bodily injury of more than one victim, or (B) conduct tantamount to the attempted murder of more than one victim, Chapter Three, Part D (Multiple Counts) shall be applied as if such conduct in respect to each victim had been contained in a separate count of conviction.

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. §§ 175, 175b, 229, 831, 842(p)(2) (only with respect to weapons of mass destruction as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2332a(c)(2)(B), (C), and (D)), 1993(a)(2), (3), (b), 2332a (only with respect to weapons of mass destruction as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2332a(c)(2)(B), (C), and (D)); 42 U.S.C. §§ 2077(b), 2122, 2131. For additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index).

Application Notes:

1. Definitions.—For purposes of this guideline:

"Biological agent" has the meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C. § 178(1).

"Chemical weapon" has the meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C. § 229F(1).

"Foreign terrorist organization" (A) means an organization that engages in terrorist activity that threatens the security of a national of the United States or the national security of the United States; and (B) includes an organization designated by the Secretary of State as a foreign terrorist organization pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1219). "National of the United States" has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(22) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(22)).

"Listed precursor or a listed toxic chemical" means a precursor or a toxic chemical, respectively, listed in Schedule I of the Annex on Chemicals to the Chemical Weapons Convention. See 18 U.S.C. § 229F(6)(B), (8)(B). "Precursor" has the meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C. § 229F(6)(A). "Toxic chemical" has the meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C. § 229F(8)(A).

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Last reviewed October 2024