Suspect admits plotting to attack U.S. military facility

LOS ANGELES — A 32-year-old man pleaded guilty Thursday to plotting to attack a US military processing center for new soldiers in the northwestern city of Seattle, officials said.

Walli Mujahidh admitted conspiracy to murder officers and agents of the United States, conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Under a plea deal he faces between 27 and 32 years behind bars for plotting to attack the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), a site in Seattle which the US military screens and processes enlistees.

"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 US attorney Jenny Durkan.

Durkan, responsible for the western district of Washington state, thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Seattle Police Department and the Joint Terrorism Task Force for helping disrupt the plot.

She added: "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," said Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security.

"I applaud the many agents, analysts and prosecutors who worked together to thwart this planned attack before anyone was harmed," she added.

Mujahidh, a former resident of Los Angeles also known as Frederick Domingue, Jr, is scheduled to be sentenced by US District Judge James Robart on April 16, 2012.