Former High-Ranking Navy Officer Shot Dead by Seattle Police After Attempting to Meet Underage Girls for Sex

Bruce Meneley, a former high-ranking U.S. Navy officer, was shot and killed by Seattle Police on April 27, 2024, after attempting to meet an 11-year-old and a 7-year-old girl for sex. Meneley, who had previously faced sex crime charges in 2017 and Texas, thought he was meeting the underage girls at a DoubleTree hotel in Seattle.

According to police reports, officers were hiding inside the hotel room when Meneley arrived. Body camera footage shows that as soon as the officers opened the door to confront Meneley, he pulled out a gun, leading to the fatal shooting. Approximately 30 rounds were fired at Meneley, with one officer being grazed by a bullet in the leg. No one else was injured in the incident.

Meneley, a retired Navy captain and doctor, served in the U.S. Navy from 1975 to 2016, including stints at the Guantanamo Bay prison and NATO. Despite his highly educated background and extensive military experience, Meneley's desire to sexually abuse children ultimately led to his death at the hands of law enforcement.

Why this matters: This disturbing case highlights the ongoing issue of child sexual exploitation and the importance of law enforcement efforts to protect vulnerable minors. It also serves as a stark reminder that individuals in positions of power and trust can engage in heinous crimes, underscoring the need for increased vigilance and accountability.

The Seattle Police Department has not released any further details about the investigation at this time. However, the incident serves as a grim example of the lengths some individuals will go to harm children and the decisive actions law enforcement must take to prevent such crimes from occurring.

Key Takeaways

• Former Navy officer Bruce Meneley shot and killed by police in Seattle
• Meneley attempted to meet 11-year-old and 7-year-old girls for sex
• Meneley had faced prior sex crime charges in 2017 and Texas
• Police confronted Meneley, who pulled a gun, leading to fatal shooting
• Case highlights issue of child exploitation and need for accountability