Ideation = thinking or vocalizing about an action without doing it
Gesture = action with no real effect, or the potential for real effect
Attempt = action with real effect, or the potential for real effect
... At least that's how the DOD publications all read. Sounds like this veteran IDEATED, which if he were in uniform would've resulted in an investigation to determine if what he said could be constituted as a CREDIBLE THREAT, which requires MEANS & MOTIVE. If a reasonable person, impartial 3rd party, could draw the conclusion that his statement presented a credible threat, and that he means to act, then he could be charged with a communicating a threat. However, as a civilian, I'm not certain what the threshold of evidence would have to be to determine that he presented a credible threat to the President. My understanding through the "grapevine" is that our current President recevies a lot of death threats, like many before him.
Sounds like a VA employee that will fit right into nationalized healthcare; shame, really. One of the Chosin Few visited my church this Sunday past; hate to think of him going through that, never mind all the young folks leaving service today. It may sound self serving but I think our Vets deserve better.
