2 Arrested In Plot To Attack Seattle Military Recruiting Station

SEATTLE -- Men from Washington and California have been arrested in plot to attack a Seattle military recruiting station, the Department of Justice says.

Justice Department officials said the two men, who were arrested late Wednesday night, took possession of machine guns that they purchased and planned to use in an attack on the Military Entrance Processing Station on East Marginal Way and that the two also planned to use grenades in the attack.

Two men were arrested late last night and are charged by criminal complaint with terrorism and firearms related charges.

The complaint alleges that Abu Khalid Abdul-Latif, a/k/a Joseph Anthony Davis, 33, of Seattle, and Walli Mujahidh, a/k/a Frederick Domingue, Jr., 32, of Los Angeles, took possession of machine guns that they purchased and planned to use in an attack on the Military Entrance Processing Station (“MEPS”) located on East Marginal Way, Seattle.

Law enforcement has been monitoring Abdul-Latif and Mujahidh, including the weapons transaction, to prevent the attack and protect the public. Unbeknownst to the defendants, the weapons were rendered inoperable and posed no risk to the public.

The defendants initially planned an attack on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, but later changed targets.

The defendants intended to carry out their attack with both grenades and machine guns.

NOTE The following text is a quote:

www.fbi.gov/seattle/press-releases/2011/former-los-angeles-resident-pleads-guilty-in-plot-to-attack-seattle-military-processing-center

Former Los Angeles Resident Pleads Guilty in Plot to Attack Seattle Military Processing Center

Defendant Agrees to Sentence of 27-32 Years in Prison for Plotting Attack
U.S. Department of Justice

December 08, 2011

Office of Public Affairs

SEATTLE—A former Los Angeles man pleaded guilty today in connection with the June 2011 plot to attack a military installation in Seattle, announced Jenny A. Durkan, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington; Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; and Laura M. Laughlin, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle office.

Walli Mujahidh, aka “Frederick Domingue, Jr.,” 32, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to murder officers and agents of the United States, conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction and unlawful possession of a firearm. If the plea agreement is accepted by the court, Mujahidh will be sentenced to between 27 and 32 years in prison under the terms of the agreement. Following the prison term, Mujahidh will be on federal supervised release for the rest of his life. Mujahidh is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge James L. Robart on April 16, 2012.

“This defendant tried to carry out a plot to kill American servicemen and women, and other innocent citizens who happened to be at the federal facility on the day of the planned attack,” said U.S. Attorney Durkan. “I applaud the FBI, Seattle Police Department, and the Joint Terrorism Task Force for their work in disrupting this plot and bringing Walli Mujahidh to justice. I also want to thank the many leaders of the Muslim community who have worked with my office to ensure that acts of a few are not used to condemn the faith of many.”

“Today’s plea underscores the threat posed by homegrown violent extremists and the need for continued vigilance to detect and dismantle their plots. I applaud the many agents, analysts and prosecutors who worked together to thwart this planned attack before anyone was harmed,” said Assistant Attorney General Monaco.

“The FBI is pleased that Mr. Mujahidh accepted responsibility for his actions, but this case remains a chilling reminder that there is constant work to be done,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Laughlin. “The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force continues to work tirelessly to detect, disrupt and dismantle threats to our community.”

The other defendant in the case, Abu Khalid Abdul-Latif, aka “Joseph Anthony Davis,” 33, of Seattle, remains scheduled for trial in May 2012.

Law enforcement first became aware of the plot when a citizen alerted them that he/she had been approached about participating in the attack and supplying firearms to the conspirators. The person then agreed to work with law enforcement, which began monitoring Abdul-Latif and Mujahidh. Since early June, the conspirators were captured on audio and videotape discussing a violent assault on the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). The MEPS is where each branch of the military screens and processes enlistees. In addition to housing many civilian and military employees, the building houses a federal daycare center.

In his plea agreement, Mujahidh admits that he became aware of the planned attack in May 2011, and in early June was making plans to travel to Seattle from Los Angeles to participate in the attack. Mujahidh arrived in Seattle on June 21, 2011, and in a meeting with a person who was working with law enforcement, Mujahidh suggested going into the MEPS with machine guns and grenades and killing everyone there.

The next day, the person working with police brought some firearms, which had been rendered inoperable by law enforcement, to a meeting with Mujahidh and Abdul-Latif. The men were arrested after they took possession of the weapons. Mujahidh is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a felony conviction in California for theft.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, with assistance from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which has investigators from federal, state and local law enforcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) contributed significant expertise to this investigation.

Note: Photo included.

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Sentencing-in-a-classic-crime-of-terrorism-4377692.php

“Sentencing in ‘a classic crime of terrorism’
Would be Seattle gunman faces prison in attack plot”

BY LEVI PULKKINEN, SEATTLEPI.COM STAFF
Published 4:54 pm, Sunday, March 24, 2013

SNIPPET: “A SeaTac man whose plans to wage “jihad” against a South Seattle military office were derailed by a child molesting friend is likely headed to prison Monday.

Having admitted to planning the terrorist attack in June 2011, Abu Khalid Abdul-Latif faces up to 19 years in prison.

Abdul-Latif, 35, was nabbed after a sex offender he attempted to recruit went to police; he was arrested in a sting operation before he could attack the Military Entrance Processing Station, an induction center where young recruits to all military branches take their oaths and are sent to basic training.”

stepping back in time...

ADDING to post no. 44:

Quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2778048/posts

Road Rage Case Could Have Link to Terrorism Plot
KIRO TV.com ^ | Updated: 5:37 pm PDT September 13, 2011 | n/a
Posted on September 14, 2011 2:46:27 AM PDT by Cindy

SNIPPET: “Michael Dale McCright is accused of trying to hit a vehicle with his car in North Seattle after he noticed the driver, a Marine, was wearing a military uniform.”

SNIPPET: “Document said that before the incident occurred, the Marines had just left a military facility on East Marginal Way in South Seattle where new recruits are processed.

The building was the target of a thwarted terrorism plot earlier this summer. Court documents reveal a possible connection.”

(Excerpt) Read more at kirotv.com ...

NOTE The following text is a quote:

www.fbi.gov/seattle/press-releases/2013/seattle-man-sentenced-to-18-years-in-prison-for-plot-to-attack-seattle-military-processing-center

Seattle Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Plot to Attack Seattle Military Processing Center

Plotted to Attack Center When Maximum Number of High School Age Recruits and Their Families were Inside

U.S. Attorney’s Office
March 25, 2013

Western District of Washington

SEATTLE—A Seattle man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison in connection with the June 2011 plot to attack a military installation in Seattle, U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan announced. Abu Khalid Abdul-Latif, aka Joseph Anthony Davis, 34, pleaded guilty in December 2012 to conspiracy to murder officers and agents of the United States and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction. Abdul-Latif planned to use grenades and machine guns to attack recruits at the Military Entrance Processing Center in a federal office complex in south Seattle. U.S. District Judge James L. Robart imposed 10 years of supervised release, saying this plot “could have done incredible harm if it had gone forward.”

“This defendant planned to attack a military center when there would be the largest possible gathering of new recruits and their families. He targeted young men and women solely because they wanted to serve our country. His goal: to inspire others with a message of hate,” said U.S. Attorney Durkan. “His plot was disrupted by vigilance in our community and good work by law enforcement. I commend the Seattle Police and the FBI for their work and thank the leaders of our Muslim communities who work tirelessly to ensure the acts of extremists are not used to condemn their faith.”

“Countless innocent people targeted by Mr. Abdul-Latif are safe thanks to the vigilance of Seattle’s Muslim community and the dedicated work of law enforcement partners,” said Laura M. Laughlin, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle Office. “The plot may have been thwarted, but its mere existence and the extremist thinking behind it are despicable. I hope that Mr. Abdul-Latif uses his years in prison to reflect on what it means to be a true member of an American community, built on respect for all.”

“I am pleased with the outcome of this very important joint agency investigation. With support from the Muslim community and the diligent work of Seattle Police detectives and our federal partners, a dangerous man will spend a long time behind bars and our community will be safer for it,” said Seattle Police Chief John Diaz.

The other defendant in the case, Walli Mujahidh, 33, of Los Angeles, is scheduled for sentencing on April 8, 2013.

Law enforcement first became aware of the plot when a citizen alerted them that he/she had been approached by Abdul-Latif about participating in the attack and supplying firearms to the conspirators. The person then agreed to work with law enforcement, which began monitoring Abdul-Latif and Mujahidh. Beginning in early June 2011, the conspirators were captured on audio and videotape discussing a violent assault on the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). The MEPS is where each branch of the military screens and processes enlistees. In addition to housing many civilian and military employees, the building houses a federal daycare center.

In his plea agreement, Abdul-Latif admits that he agreed to carry out the planned attack and that he made plans for Mujahidh to travel to Seattle from Los Angeles to participate in the attack. Mujahidh arrived in Seattle on June 21, 2011. On that same day, during a meeting between Abdul-Latif, Mujahidh, and a person who was working with law enforcement, Abdul-Latif outlined the plan of attacking the MEPS with machine guns and grenades and took steps to purchase weapons and further the plot. In accordance with the defendants’ plan, the next day the person working with police brought three machine guns to a meeting with Abdul-Latif and Mujahidh. The men were arrested after they took possession of the weapons, which had been rendered inoperable by law enforcement.

Prosecutors noted that a lengthy term was necessary to protect the public and urged future monitoring by Federal Probation. “Abdul-Latif undertook his plot in furtherance of his long-standing and deeply felt radical beliefs. To this day, he has not disavowed the radical ideology that inspired his attack plot, nor has he expressed any meaningful remorse for his conduct,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo.

The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, with assistance from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which has investigators from federal, state, and local law enforcement, and the Seattle Police Department. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) contributed significant expertise to this investigation.

NOTE The following text (minus press contact info) is a quote:

www.fbi.gov/seattle/press-releases/2013/former-los-angeles-man-sentenced-to-17-years-in-prison-for-role-in-plot-to-attack-seattle-military-processing-center

Former Los Angeles Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Role in Plot to Attack Seattle Military Processing Center

Traveled from Los Angeles to Seattle to Take Part in Attack
U.S. Attorney’s Office

April 08, 2013

Western District of Washington

SEATTLE—A former Los Angeles resident was sentenced today to 17 years in prison in connection with the June 2011 plot to attack a military installation in Seattle, U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan announced. Walli Mujahidh, 34, pleaded guilty in December 2011 to conspiracy to murder officers and agents of the United States and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Mujahidh plotted with lead defendant Abu Khalid Abdul-Latif of Seattle in a plan to use grenades and machine guns to attack recruits at the Military Entrance Processing Center in a federal office complex in south Seattle. U.S. District Judge James L. Robart imposed 10 years of supervised release following the prison term.

“This defendant was a cold-hearted, enthusiastic partner in this murderous scheme. He talked at length in recorded conversations about the innocent people he planned to gun down,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. “Even after his arrest, he boldly tried to justify his plot. I am thankful this plot was disrupted and again thank the FBI and Seattle Police Department.”

The other defendant in the case, Abu Khalid Abdul-Latif, of Seattle, was sentenced to 18 years in prison last month.

In his plea agreement, Mujahidh admitted that he agreed to carry out the planned attack and that he traveled to Seattle from Los Angeles to participate in the attack. Mujahidh arrived in Seattle on June 21, 2011. On that same day, during a meeting between Abdul-Latif, Mujahidh and a person who was working with law enforcement, Abdul-Latif outlined the plan of attacking the MEPS with machine guns and grenades and took steps to purchase weapons and further the plot. In accordance with the defendants’ plan, the next day the person working with police brought three machine guns to a meeting with Abdul-Latif and Mujahidh. The men were arrested after they took possession of the weapons, which had been rendered inoperable by law enforcement.

In their sentencing memo, prosecutors describe multiple times where Mujahidh described his enthusiasm for the attack and his terrorist motivations. “During the planning sessions for the attack, Mujahidh made clear that he was eager to kill his intended victims, and as many as possible. He made numerous statements along these lines while he and Abdul-Latif planned out the play-by-play movements of the attackers using the map of the Federal Center South building,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo.

The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, with assistance from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which has investigators from federal, state, and local law enforcement and the Seattle Police Department. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) contributed significant expertise to this investigation.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.