i agree with reds sentiment of "obviously". it could also very well justify charges of a "hate crime" just to pile on.

if this happened in kandahar?

what?! hate crime doesnt just mean the killer hated them

it means he singled them out because of who they were.

i dont see how thats any different from singling someone out because of race or sexual orientation, which is where hate crime statutes are usually applied.

state crime? He murdered 2 federal employees = Federal Crime. Plus this should qualify for the one of the dumbest laws in recent history -- the dreaded Hate Crimes statute.

singling out someone because of the group they belong to doesnt qualify for a hate crime. hate crimes have to be committed on a group that has historically been the victim of discrimination--sorry fellow WASP males, just about every one else but us qualify. wooo whooo!

so does someone have to submit a formal written notice that "I hate the US, renounce my citizenship and want to join the war on terror?"

damn! couldnt a good prosecutor twist it around someway to make it apply?

Hate Crime Sentencing Enhancement Act

no where does the statute mention historical victims of discrimination. An inventive prosecutor could make an argument for hate crimes based on religion and national origin.