White House intruder is an Army vet with PTSD. Should he be charged with any crimes?

SPC David S. — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 23:00:42 -0400

http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-white-house-arrest-20140920-story.html

White House intruder was an Army vet with PTSD, family says

The intruder who scaled a White House fence and made it through the front doors was an Army veteran diagnosed with combat trauma, but authorities said Saturday the case was still under investigation.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 22 at 2014 1:18 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 01:18:04 -0400

PTSD is real, and one it is identified, steps are taken to combat the hell it puts us through. It is still on us to get help for it and to be accountable for our actions, especially when we know that we have it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2014 1:28 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 01:28:38 -0400

Why is it that whenever a civilian commits a crime you don't often hear them say "He was a truck driver with schizophrenia" or "She was a school teacher with bipolarism" but whenever a veteran does something they NEVER leave out the PTSD thing?

When they do that, no one hears the whole story, they just hear "VETERAN WITH PTSD". That's why we have a hard time finding jobs. That's why doctors ask us if we own guns. A couple of months ago I was talking to a woman from the VA and I was asked about gun ownership AND my sexual orientation. I'll admit I went from zero to pissed in .04 seconds and said "Neither of those things are any of your f***ing business. I'll take my ailments elsewhere." and hung up.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Sep 22 at 2014 1:28 AM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 01:28:46 -0400

While I do understand that PTSD can affect the way folks act and think you still have to be held accountable for your actions. I would be hard pressed to believe that he didn't know that jumping the fence to the White House was illegal regardless of his disability/disorder.

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 22 at 2014 3:38 AM

SPC David S. — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 03:38:27 -0400

I guess I'm just feeling for the guy and that he should be getting help not a sentence.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 22 at 2014 3:50 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 03:50:10 -0400

I'm thinking yes he should be charged and held accountable but I really hope he gets the Help he needs. Like a lot of things this was his cry for Help.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Sep 22 at 2014 8:48 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 08:48:56 -0400

Yet another example of the media taking something and twisting it to make sales. When the reporter heard the words "Combat Veteran" and "PTSD" everything else went out the window. Should the guy face charges? Yes he should. Does he need help? Yes of course. But what angers me the most is this will just be another example that some people will use to not seek treatment for their own PTSD.

Living with PTSD is no fun. The never ending nightmares, the fear of doing something or going somewhere because you are uncertain if it will set off a trigger. Walking into a restaurant and having to ask for a different table to help with your anxiety. Left to go unchecked and untreated, these along with others can lead to other things like scaling the fence of the White House or worse. Service Members need to seek help. They shouldn't be afraid of being labeled. There is NOTHING wrong with seeking help. Be open and honest with your close friends and family. Tell them what you feel. Get the help!

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Sep 22 at 2014 8:56 AM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 08:56:25 -0400

Yes.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Sep 22 at 2014 10:34 AM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 10:34:17 -0400

His status as a veteran shouldn't exclude him from being held accountable.

Response by CPO Ed Ball made Sep 22 at 2014 10:55 AM

CPO Ed Ball — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 10:55:01 -0400

What if, just thinking outside of the box here, the veteran was having problems being seen through mental health at his local VAMC. His actions would win him free admission through a veterans court and easily obtain an appointment with mental health.

Other than that, yes, he should be charged like anyone else, just saying some things just never make the press.

Response by CSM Allen Dahl made Sep 23 at 2014 1:28 AM

CSM Allen Dahl — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 01:28:18 -0400

The last thing that needs done, is that it is tried on Facebook or any form of media. The totality of circumstances must be weighed within the framework of rule of law. Charges will likely be filed, but if he is truly found in need of mental health treatment, I am sure that will weigh heavily in any decisions to prosecute those charges. I can only hope that it may bring to light the continual need for veterans services and not just simply add to the stigma of suffering from PTSD and other issues. Regardless I hope the Secret Service steps up their game in protecting the Commander in Chief, no matter who he or she is.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 1:23 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 01:23:41 -0400

When I took combat stress/PTSD training, we've had discussions on a category called "misconduct disorders" Such soldiers would still get consequences for the misconduct/crime committed but they still would get appropriate treatment. Perhaps the penalty could be adjusted if PTSD pays a significant role but there should still be one. We need to help our soldiers (sailors, Marines etc) and veterans with PTSD but we are always accountable for our actions. That's why it also important for soldiers and veterans to get treatment as soon as he/she thinks he/she is affected by it and why leaders should monitor their soldiers to ensure they do get the help right away and refer them to help without the stigma so we can avoid (or at least reduce the chances) of a serious incident.