Larson Indicted in Racially-Motivated Seattle Assault

SEATTLE, WA – Jamie Larson, 49, is facing federal charges after a Seattle grand jury indicted him for a racially-motivated assault on a 50-year-old Sikh man. The attack, which occurred on October 17, 2012, is now being prosecuted as a federal hate crime, bringing the full weight of the Department of Justice down on the defendant.

U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan didn’t mince words, stating, “Attacks such as this one, based on prejudice and racial hate, are contrary to who we are and violate the law.” Durkan emphasized that protecting the civil rights of all community members is a “top priority” for her office. The indictment alleges Larson targeted the victim based on the victim’s actual and perceived race, color, and national origin, specifically identifying Middle Eastern and Arab descent as factors in the assault.

Larson is charged with one count of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, enacted in October 2009. This law criminalizes acts of physical violence resulting in bodily injury motivated by bias against a person’s race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. If convicted, Larson faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years behind bars.

The incident unfolded when a witness observed the assault and immediately contacted 911. Law enforcement arrived at the scene and promptly arrested Larson. Details of the assault itself remain largely sealed pending the legal proceedings, but the focus is clear: this was not a random act of violence. It was a deliberate, hate-fueled attack.

The investigation was spearheaded by the Seattle Division of the FBI, with prosecution handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce F. Miyake of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, alongside Trial Attorney Nicholas Durham of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. The government is building a case to demonstrate that Larson’s actions were specifically motivated by racial animus.

Larson is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle at 1:30 PM today. It’s crucial to remember that an indictment represents an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments as they unfold, holding those accountable who perpetrate violence motivated by hate.