Is Stack's Crash Considered Terroristic Act?

The questions keep swirling about 53 year old Joseph Andrew Stack's actions Thursday, when he set his north Austin home on fire and subsequently flew a plane at full throttle into a building that houses Internal Revenue Services offices and nearly 200 of its employees.

Stack's manifesto defined his disagreement with government, big business bailouts, and what he called a corrupt Catholic church.  FBI agents, who are working evidence recovery, said the impact killed Stack, along with 67 year old IRS employee Vernon Hunter.  Another man suffered burn injuries and was transported to Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio.  He's believed to be in stable condition.

Many people are asking themselves if this is a case of domestic terrorism or simply a man with a rant being a coward.  Witnesses and passers by at the north Austin Echelon I building are forming their opinions.  A Facebook page is rumored to have started with supporters joining in as fans of Stack.  A game has even been created.

FOX News reported that White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said White House officials will wait to determine how to refer to the incident until after the investigation "plays out." FOX says Gibbs had said earlier the incident did not seem to be an act of terrorism.

Thursday and Friday, reporters repeatedly asked the same question of police chief Art Acevedo, who continued to call the crash a single act by a single person, refusing to call it terrorism.

"I call it a cowardly, criminal act, and there was no excuse for it," said Acevedo.

U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett, a Democrat from Texas, disagreed, comparing Stack's actions to the Oklahoma City bombing at the Alfred Murrah Federal Building in 1995.   "Like the larger-scale tragedy in Oklahoma City, this was a cowardly act of domestic terrorism," he said in a statement.  "Stack's apparent website message reflects the steadily increasing flow of 'the government is out to get me' paranoia."

Governor Rick Perry praised the actions of the first responders and average citizens who came to the rescue for those in need.  

“In true Texas form, first responders and everyday citizens responded to today’s plane crash with selfless acts of heroism, securing the area, evacuating the building and controlling the fire, and are to be commended," said Perry.  "My office continues to communicate with local, state and federal officials on this incident, which is currently an open criminal investigation.  With details still emerging, it is important to refrain from speculation and let the law enforcement experts determine what exactly unfolded."

Friday, FBI spokesperson Ralph Diaz said investigators are trying to figure out Stack's motive.  They continue to work long hours to process the crime scene, which is cordoned off still.  The San Antonio FBI Office will be the official contact for information regarding this morning’s airplane crash and can be reached at (210) 650-6199.  Residents with personal belongings on the scene, including vehicles, should also contact the San Antonio FBI Office.