Justin Christopher Moore, Unlawful Possession of Destructive Devices, Washington 2020

A 34-year-old Renton, Washington man has been convicted of a serious crime. On September 7, 2020, Justin Christopher Moore was seen carrying a box of 12 Molotov cocktails in a protest march to the Seattle Police Officers Guild (SPOG) building in downtown Seattle.

According to the plea agreement, Moore made and carried the box of gasoline devices to the SPOG building. However, the marchers were moved away from the building when police smelled gasoline and grew concerned about the intentions of the protestors. The box containing the 12 gasoline devices was found in the parking lot next to the SPOG building.

A thorough investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Fireworks & Explosives (ATF), and the Seattle Police Department. Video from the protest and information from the electronic devices of other co-conspirators confirmed Moore as the person seen carrying the box of destructive devices.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Moore’s residence in June 2021, where they seized clothing consistent with the images of what Moore was wearing when he carried the Molotov cocktails. They also recovered numerous items consistent with manufacturing explosive devices from the basement storage area.

A notebook was found in Moore’s residence, which contained entries related to the manufacturing of destructive devices and the ingredients necessary. This evidence further implicated Moore in the crime.

Moore has pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a destructive device, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. He will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lauren King on December 21, 2022.

The case was investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Fireworks & Explosives (ATF), and the Seattle Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.

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