The single most important influence that shaped the founding of the United States comes from John Locke, a 17th century Englishman who redefined the nature of government. The duty of that government is to protect the natural rights of the people, which Locke believed to include life, liberty, and property.
That guy ( I won't say his name or they won't let me answer the question ) could have maybe even escaped or bribe some corrupt soldier and you never know if he had some weapons on him and what if he wanted to do a oof on purpose attack by exploding explosives
