Seattle Man Gets 18 Years for Military Center Attack Plot

SEATTLE – Abu Khalid Abdul-Latif, 35, of Seattle, will spend the next 18 years behind bars for conspiring to unleash a violent assault on the Military Entrance Processing Center in south Seattle. U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan announced the sentence today, bringing a close – but not an end – to a case rooted in radical ideology and a chilling disregard for human life. The plot, hatched in June 2011, aimed to turn a federal office complex into a bloodbath, targeting recruits and their families.

Abdul-Latif, also known as Joseph Anthony Davis, pleaded guilty in December 2012 to conspiracy to murder officers and agents of the United States and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction. The plan was brutally simple: a coordinated attack utilizing grenades and machine guns against the MEPS, a facility where young men and women eager to serve their country were at their most vulnerable. U.S. District Judge James L. Robart, imposing the sentence, acknowledged the potential for “incredible harm” had the plot succeeded, also ordering ten years of supervised release following Abdul-Latif’s prison term.

“This defendant planned to attack a military center when there would be the largest possible gathering of new recruits and their families,” Durkan stated. “He targeted young men and women solely because they wanted to serve our country. His goal: to inspire others with a message of hate.” The plot was thankfully disrupted by a vigilant citizen who came forward after being approached by Abdul-Latif to supply firearms. That individual became a crucial asset in the investigation, working with law enforcement to monitor the conspirators and ultimately prevent the attack.

The investigation, a joint effort between the Seattle Police Department and the FBI, revealed a disturbing level of planning. Beginning in early June 2011, audio and video recordings captured Abdul-Latif and his co-conspirator, Walli Mujahidh, 33, of Los Angeles, discussing the specifics of the assault. Mujahidh arrived in Seattle on June 21, 2011, and the pair immediately began taking steps to acquire weapons. They met with an informant, outlining their plan to unleash a barrage of machine gun fire and grenades on the MEPS, which also houses a federal daycare center. Law enforcement provided them with weapons rendered inoperable, leading to their arrest after taking possession.

“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.” Seattle Police Chief John Diaz echoed that sentiment, praising the collaborative effort and the support from the Muslim community, which played a vital role in identifying and disrupting the threat. “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,” he said.

Prosecutors emphasized the need for a lengthy sentence to protect the public and recommended continued monitoring by Federal Probation. Abdul-Latif’s “long-standing and deeply felt radical beliefs” – beliefs he has not renounced – were cited as a clear indicator of continued danger. Mujahidh is scheduled for sentencing on April 8, 2013. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by domestic extremism and the importance of proactive law enforcement and community collaboration.

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