Was I wrong in Doing this?

Question

Several months ago, I was involved in an online discussion on the topic of torture. One of the people in the chat became very anti-US government and starting saying that he was not afraid of the US government and started to threaten to bomb Federal buildings in Seattle. I warned the guy that he should be more careful about what he says online. He responded that he didnt care and "let the Feds come for me". I copied the conversation and sent it to the FBI. I actually got a call back from the FBI saying they went to this persons house and he is now on a federal terrorist watch list. Was I wrong to this? Did I ruin this guys life for a good reason? He was only in college. I dont know what happened specifically after the FBI got with him.

Answer 1

You did your duty as a citizen of this country. Thank you. I did something similar when I saw that a co-worker of mine had changed her name(first AND  last.) that screamed illegal alien to me, so I reported her on the INS website. I hope they are watching her now, like the FBI is watching your "neighbor". Again, thank you, and good fortune.

Answer 2

you call yourself the reverend. as long as what he said was not in confidence in terms of clergy or attorney-client privilege, i can think of no legal or moral restriction.

was the guy probably just blowing off steam in an ignorant manner?  had he had too much to drink perhaps?  regardless, better to cry wolf then to have the person actually carry out his threat - and now this guy has learned a valuable lesson - actions have consequences.

dumb people never learn from their mistakes, smart people learn from mistakes. really smart people observe and learn from other people's mistakes.

Answer 3

Oh who cares.  Honestly, I think we're in the midst of redefining right and wrong.

Answer 4

You were not wrong.  I am sure that the young man was put on the list for more reason then just the chat that he had with you.   If he is on the list for a wrong or flimsy reason then he can figure out a way to get back off.  But I am for erring on the side of causion.  What if one of those ticket agents thought differently about those terrorist when the got on their original flights  would the WTC still be standing?

Answer 5

No, you weren't wrong, you did your civil duty and should be proud.

Answer 6

I'm quite positive that the whole situation you describe never happened and you are a forum troll. Why would the FBI CALL YOU BACK to tell you they put him on a watch list?

you are full of "it".

Answer 7

Good for you. People need to learn to be careful about what they say online. Even if they are just kidding.

Answer 8

I think you did good .. but as he was just a college guy he may have been just feeling angry about something and let his temper out..

but on the other hand.. he might have meant what he said..

maybe you should get in touch with him .. again ..

just to make sure the FBI did'nt torture him or anything..

but one thing..

stay out of chatting with strangers.. and if  you still want to ..

make sure you don't touch sensitive topics as somebody can harm you throught that..!!!

Cheers and good day!

Answer 9

Thank you.  You did what was right.  He may have just been blowing off steam.  But he could have been serious.  

His life is not ruined.  It does not look like he was arrested or kicked out of school.

Answer 10

Hi there, all these answers sound right.

My answer to you is to look inside yourself and ask yourself was my first reaction something for the greater good of all?

Because this is where human ethics come in so we can define ourselves.

Only you can find right from wrong. If you believe you did the right thing and prevented something that could affect society due to a "terrorist attack" then you did the right thing.

We as civilians on this planet are here to achieve global peace. Sound conventional?

Take care and know that your a person with great integrity, don't be ashamed of it.