A man tied by prosecutors to two Seattle terror suspects has admitted attempting to run two Marines off Interstate 5.| Keep reading, it sounds like a case of 'sudden jihadi syndrome'... |
McCright, who also goes by Mikhial Jihad, pleaded guilty Wednesday to reduced charges so he will not face a life sentence under Washington's "three-strikes" law. Prosecutors plan to request a five-year prison term.
In the incident, the Marine sergeants had left a local processing center. While the staff sergeant driving the car remained in uniform, the other man had changed into civilian clothing.
The two were on the interstate when a small blue car sped toward them. A bearded man in a skull cap, McCright, was behind the wheel. As the car came alongside the Marines, the staff sergeant noticed McCright spot his uniform. The staff sergeant told police, "His eyes widened and he appeared to become angry."
McCright forced the government car into the emergency lane, then pulled in front of the Marines' vehicle and slammed on his brakes, nearly causing a collision.
The passenger in the Marine's car called 911 and reported the license plate number to the police. Investigators later linked the car to McCright and phoned him. At the time, McCright denied any involvement and said he rarely drove the car. He was arrested on Sept. 8 in Seattle.
Prosecutors have said McCright was in contact with Abu Khalid Abdul-Latif, a Des Moines man accused of plotting an attack on a South Seattle military processing station.
McCright's connection to Abdul-Latif has not yet been disclosed, though the latter remains in federal custody pending trial on terror charges.
In court documents shortly after McCright's arrest, Senior Deputy Prosecutor Gary Ernsdorff said, "Investigators have confirmed that the cell phone used by the defendant ... was used on at least three occasions to contact Abdul-Latif prior to Latif's arrest by federal authorities. The FBI is continuing to investigate defendant McCright's possible connection to domestic terrorism."
Abdul-Latif, 33, and LA resident Walli Mujahidh had been accused of plotting a suicide attack on a military processing center. Prosecutors claim the men planned to storm the center to kill recruits and Department of Defense workers there. Mujahidh later pleaded guilty.
The plot was allegedly foiled at the last moment after another Muslim man
| and honorable American |
McCright remains jailed on $2 million bail charged with second-degree assault. He is expected back in court on Oct. 12.
McCright, a repeat violent felon, may have faced a life sentence as a "three-strikes" offender if convicted on the original charge of second-degree assault. Instead, McCright pleaded guilty to two counts of felony harassment and one count of attempted malicious mischief.
McCright is scheduled to be sentenced in June and remains in jail. Abdul-Latif and Mujahidh also remain confined. Abdul-Latif faces a life sentence.