Washington Man Accused of Attempting to Aid Houthis + Seattle Demand Change From New Police Chief

A Department of Energy employee from Richland, Washington, has been arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to the Houthis, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Federal prosecutors say 51-year-old Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy worked as an electrical engineer for the Department of Energy and previously worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. According to the Justice Department and federal court records, investigators began looking into Ellaboudy after receiving information that he had purchased precursor chemicals, components and other materials commonly used to construct homemade explosive devices. Investigators also allege Ellaboudy purchased parts used to construct drones and remotely operated aerial systems. The federal complaint further alleges Ellaboudy traveled from Washington to Oman in September 2025 before crossing into Yemen using an official passport previously issued through his employment with the Army Corps of Engineers. Prosecutors say that after returning to the United States, Ellaboudy told Customs and Border Protection officers that he had traveled overseas on official government business. His Department of Energy supervisor later told investigators he had no authorized government travel to the region. Federal investigators also allege Ellaboudy communicated with an FBI confidential source who purported to work for a Houthi colonel. Prosecutors say Ellaboudy provided electrical-engineering expertise involving solar power generators and communications equipment, including schematics, diagrams and technical guidance. If convicted of attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, Ellaboudy faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The charges are allegations. Ellaboudy is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The Department of Energy says the case did not involve an attempt to harm the Hanford Site or its workforce and that there was never a threat to the site's safety or security. Also in today's Washington In Focus, Seattle continues its search for a new permanent police chief. Seattle Police Department Assistant Chief Robert Brown and Capt. Dan Nelson have confirmed they applied for the job as residents weigh in on what they want from the city's next police leader. Community members have raised concerns about open-air drug markets, street crime and police accountability. Nelson argues SPD's current structure is too top-heavy and says he would give Seattle's five police precincts more resources and flexibility. The city says its search has drawn 23 applicants, including candidates with previous Seattle Police Department or Seattle-area law enforcement experience. Finally, Washington's 2026 Supreme Court elections continue to take center stage with five of the court's nine seats appearing on the November ballot. Justice Theo Angelis and former Federal Way Municipal Court Judge Dave Larson are competing for Washington Supreme Court Position 5. In today's episode, Angelis and Larson discuss their approaches to the judiciary, judicial independence, politics and their visions for Washington's highest court. Today's Washington In Focus covers the Richland federal terrorism case, Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, the Houthis, the Department of Energy, Hanford, the Seattle police chief search, Seattle public safety, Theo Angelis, Dave Larson and the 2026 Washington Supreme Court election. Follow The Center Square for continuing coverage of Washington state government, public safety, Seattle, federal law enforcement, the Washington Supreme Court and the 2026 election. Want the next important update by text? Get the Washington state government and policy developments worth your attention sent straight to your phone. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 or sign up here: https://joinsubtext.com/c/thecentersquarewa Msg & data rates may apply. #WashingtonState #RichlandWA #DepartmentOfEnergy #Houthis #FBI #Hanford #Seattle #SeattlePolice #WashingtonSupremeCourt #Election2026 #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus