Attempted Bomber Arrested

SPOKANE, WA—Today, Michael C. Ormsby, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Kevin William Harpham, age 36, of Colville, Washington, has been arrested and charged in connection with the placement of the improvised explosive device alongside the planned Martin Luther King Jr. Day Unity March on January 17, 2011, in Spokane, Washington.

Kevin William Harpham was charged by complaint with the crimes of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and possession of an unregistered explosive device. A conviction for attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of court supervision after release. A conviction for possession of an unregistered explosive device carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to thre years of court supervision after release. The investigation in this matter is continuing.

Michael C. Ormsby, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, said, “The tireless dedication and extraordinary efforts of the law enforcement officers involved in all aspects of this complicated investigation are commended.”

This investigation was conducted by the Inland Northwest Joint Terrorism Task Force (INJTTF)—comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Federal Air Marshals; the U.S. Border Patrol; the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations; the Spokane Police Department; the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office; and the Washington State Patrol—with assistance from Stevens County Sheriff’s Office and Washington State Employment Security Department.

A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.