Key Takeaways:
- Four suspects were arrested in the Mojave Desert for plotting to bomb multiple sites of two US companies on New Year’s Eve in Southern California.
- The suspects are members of an extremist anti-capitalist and anti-government group called the Turtle Island Liberation Front.
- The plot included planting backpacks filled with complex pipe bombs at five locations, set to be detonated simultaneously at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
- The suspects had discussed plans for future attacks targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and vehicles with pipe bombs in 2026.
- The FBI moved in and arrested the suspects as they rehearsed the attack in the desert, finding bomb-making materials and precursor chemicals at the scene.
Introduction to the Plot
Federal authorities announced on Monday that they had foiled a plot to bomb multiple sites of two US companies on New Year’s Eve in Southern California. The four suspects, identified as Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41, were arrested on Friday in the Mojave Desert as they were rehearsing their plot. According to Bill Essayli, first assistant US attorney, the suspects were members of an extremist anti-capitalist and anti-government group called the Turtle Island Liberation Front. The group’s ideology calls for "the working class to rise up and fight back against capitalism," and they had planned to target "Amazon-type" logistical centers in Southern California.
The Suspects and Their Plan
The suspects had created a detailed plan, titled "OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN," which included step-by-step instructions to build improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and listed multiple targets across Orange County and Los Angeles. The plan involved planting backpacks filled with complex pipe bombs that were set to be detonated simultaneously at midnight on New Year’s Eve at five locations. The suspects had also discussed plans for future attacks targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and vehicles with pipe bombs in 2026. According to the criminal complaint, Carroll noted that the attack on ICE agents "would take some of them out and scare the rest of them." The suspects had acquired precursor chemicals and other items, including purchases from Amazon, and had rehearsed the attack in the desert near Twentynine Palms, California.
The Investigation and Arrests
The FBI moved in and arrested the suspects as they rehearsed the attack in the desert, finding bomb-making materials and precursor chemicals at the scene. The suspects were taken into custody without incident and were scheduled to appear in court in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon. Authorities issued search warrants and found posters for the Turtle Island Liberation Front at Carroll’s home that called for "Death to America" and "Death to ICE." In Page’s residence, police found a copy of the detailed bomb plan. The investigation was a result of a collaborative effort between federal and local law enforcement agencies, who worked together to disrupt the plot and protect residents.
The Response from Law Enforcement
The successful disruption of the plot was praised by law enforcement officials, who highlighted the strength of their unified response. Jim McDonnell, LA’s police chief, noted that while federal and local officials may disagree on certain issues, such as immigration raids, they come together to protect residents. The LAPD does not stop people or take action for any reason related to immigration status, and it doesn’t enforce immigration laws, a practice that has been in place for 45 years. McDonnell emphasized that the disruption of the plot was a testament to the strength of their unified response and the commitment to protecting residents.
The Charges and Future Proceedings
The suspects face charges of conspiracy and possession of a destructive device, and additional charges are expected in the coming weeks. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the full extent of the plot and the suspects’ involvement. The case highlights the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies to prevent and disrupt such plots. The suspects’ court appearance on Monday marked the beginning of the legal proceedings, and it is likely that the case will continue to unfold in the coming weeks and months.