How can he burn a theater full of people if the device does not work?
You are entering the realm of Straw Man here my friend...
Not at all. I recall a certain NY Terrorist that is facing a life time in jail for a car bomb that didn't go off the way he intended. The actions he took were intended to create injury, death and mayhem ... that was sufficient. I see no difference between the actions of this man, and a Jihadist.
If he was screaming 'Allah Ackbar' when he pulled the lever, would that make any difference to you? It makes none whatsoever to me. I judge a person by the actions he makes. He willingly did something that I could not be forced to do - and he should be rewarded for those actions. My hope is that he gets the full reward permitted by law.