What criteria must a threat meet to be deemed imminent?

For a threat to be considered imminent, it needs to demonstrate clear intent to cause harm, the capability to carry out that intent, and an appropriate method of delivery that reflects a tangible risk. This establishes the seriousness and immediacy of the threat, enabling law enforcement and other parties to respond accordingly.

Intent indicates that the person making the threat has a deliberate desire to inflict harm or create fear, while the concept of a weapon suggests that they possess the means to carry out the threat. The delivery system refers to how the threat will be conveyed or executed, whether through verbal threats, written communication, or physical actions. Together, these components create a clear picture of an imminent threat, justifying the need for immediate action or intervention.

The other options may provide context related to potential threats but do not encompass the comprehensive criteria necessary to determine if a threat is indeed imminent. For instance, bystanders, visible injury, and threatening language alone do not provide sufficient evidence of intent, capability, or means to execute a damaging act. Hence, they lack the specificity required to qualify a threat as imminent.