Key Takeaways
- Four individuals, Audrey Illeene Carroll, Zachary Aaron Page, Dante James Anthony-Gaffield, and Tina Lai, have been indicted for their involvement in a suspected terror plot to bomb targets in Los Angeles and Orange counties on New Year’s Eve.
- The suspects are part of the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF), an anti-capitalist and anti-government group, and are alleged to have communicated using an encrypted messaging group called "Order of the Black Lotus."
- The plot, dubbed "Operation Midnight Sun," targeted U.S. businesses across Southern California and included details on bomb-making and avoiding evidence.
- The suspects face charges including providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists, possession of unregistered firearms, and conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction.
- If convicted, the suspects face decades in federal prison, with Carroll and Page facing a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
Introduction to the Terror Plot
A federal grand jury has indicted four individuals in connection with a suspected terror plot to bomb targets in Los Angeles and Orange counties on New Year’s Eve. The four suspects, Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante James Anthony-Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41, are all from the Los Angeles area and are charged with one count of providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists and one count of possession of unregistered firearms. Carroll and Page also face an additional charge of conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction. The indictment is a significant development in the investigation into the suspected terror plot, which was uncovered by law enforcement authorities in recent weeks.
The Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF)
According to the indictment, the defendants are part of the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF), an anti-capitalist and anti-government group. The group is also alleged to have a "radical" faction that communicated using an encrypted messaging group called "Order of the Black Lotus." This faction is believed to have been involved in the planning and coordination of the suspected terror plot. The use of encrypted messaging groups is a common tactic used by terrorist organizations to communicate and coordinate their activities without being detected by law enforcement authorities. The fact that the TILF used such a group suggests that they were attempting to evade detection and conceal their activities from law enforcement.
The Plot: "Operation Midnight Sun"
In November, Carroll drafted an 8-page, handwritten document titled "Operation Midnight Sun" that described a bombing plot targeting U.S. businesses across Southern California on New Year’s Eve. The plot included details on the co-conspirators’ intended targets, instructions on how to manufacture bombs and source the bomb-making materials, and guidance for the co-conspirators to avoid leaving evidence behind that could be traced to them. The plot was designed to "completely pulverize" the targets, which included technology and logistics companies with offices across Southern California. The level of detail and planning that went into the plot suggests that the suspects were serious about carrying out the attack and were willing to go to great lengths to achieve their goals.
The Investigation and Arrests
Throughout early December, the suspects procured bomb-making materials to build and test explosive devices in the Mojave Desert on December 12. They obtained bomb-making materials such as potassium nitrate, sulfur, charcoal, and pipes, and traveled to the Mojave Desert to build and test explosives that they planned to use as part of the New Year’s Eve plot. However, the FBI arrested them before they could make functional explosive devices. The arrests were the result of a thorough investigation by law enforcement authorities, who were able to gather evidence and intelligence on the suspects’ activities and plans. The investigation is a testament to the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in detecting and preventing terrorist plots.
Consequences and Next Steps
All four suspects are in federal custody without bond and will be arraigned in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Lai’s arraignment is scheduled for January 2, 2026, while Carroll and Page are scheduled to be arraigned on January 5, 2026, and Gaffield’s arraignment is scheduled for January 20, 2026. If convicted, Carroll and Page would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison, and Gaffield and Lai would face a statutory maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison. The consequences of the suspects’ actions are severe, and the arraignments will mark the beginning of the legal process that will determine their fate. The case is a reminder of the serious consequences of engaging in terrorist activities and the importance of preventing such plots from being carried out.
Broader Implications
The indictment of the four suspects is a significant development in the fight against terrorism, and it highlights the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies. The fact that the suspects were able to plan and coordinate a complex terror plot without being detected for some time raises concerns about the effectiveness of current counter-terrorism strategies. However, the investigation and arrests demonstrate that law enforcement agencies are capable of detecting and preventing terrorist plots, and that those who engage in such activities will be held accountable. The case also highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies, as well as the importance of addressing the root causes of terrorism and extremism. By working together, law enforcement agencies and communities can prevent terrorist plots and keep people safe.
