American Law Enforcement Announce Detainment in Thwarted Year-End Bomb Plan Close to Los Angeles
Federal agents announced on Monday that they had effectively disrupted a detailed plan to explode bombs at multiple sites operated by two American companies on New Year's Eve in the LA region. The move followed the apprehension of individuals associated with an radical faction promoting anti-system and anti-authority beliefs.
Individuals Taken Into Custody During Isolated Dry Run
The four individuals were detained last Friday in the Mojave Desert found east of Los Angeles at the time they were reportedly running through their intended operation. Federal attorneys showed overhead surveillance images to journalists, that captured the individuals carrying a big black object to a table. Authorities emphasized that the apprehensions were made prior to the suspects could assemble a fully functional IED.
Identities of the Suspects Released
According to the submitted criminal complaint, the four suspects named are Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Page, 32; 24-year-old Dante Gaffield; and Tina Lai, who is 41. Each of them are understood to be from the greater Los Angeles vicinity.
Alleged Motive and Connections
Even though prosecutors did not explicitly describe a reason, they said the group are adherents of a offshoot called the Turtle Island Liberation Front. This organization allegedly advocates for "the working class to rise up and combat against capitalism," as per the criminal complaint.
They face include conspiracy to commit a crime and possession of a destructive device. Prosecutors indicated that additional charges are anticipated in the next few weeks.
Details of the Supposed "The Midnight Sun Plan"
Prosecutors said that one of the suspects had drafted a detailed plan last month to attack at least five corporate facilities across Southern California on New Year's Eve. The locations were likened to "similar to Amazon" fulfillment centers.
"The bomb plot was specific," an official said. "It contained step-by-step instructions to make bombs … and listed several targets across the county of Orange and Los Angeles."
According to the case and legal filings, the plan called for placing backpacks packed with sophisticated pipe bombs that were set to be exploded at the same time at midnight on New Year's Eve at several places. New Year's Eve was identified as an ideal time as the scheme noted "celebratory explosions will be going off at this time so detonations will be less likely to be noticed."
An eight-page manually written blueprint, named "OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN," stated that further locations could be added. The facilities were identified as property and facilities run by two distinct corporations tied to business affecting national and international trade.
Long-term Plots and Materials Found
Court documents also indicated that two members in the group had talked about future strikes aimed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and transport with explosives in 2026. One accused reportedly said that such attacks "would kill some and scare the rest of them."
These plans were allegedly planned both at an in-person meeting in Los Angeles and through an secure communication application.
Pictures included in the court documents reveal a isolated site with what investigators said were bomb-making components scattered on plastic folding tables.
The complaint states that the group "all brought bomb-making components to the campsite, including different sizes of tubes, believed to be a chemical compound, charcoal briquettes, fuel powder, powdered sulfur, and material to be used as igniters, among others."
The plan also had directions on how to construct the explosives and how to prevent leaving traces that could be linked back to the group. The suspects had recently acquired chemical ingredients and other goods, with acquisitions from online retailers.
Arrest and Aftermath
The FBI took action last week when the individuals were rehearsing the strike in the desert near Twentynine Palms. "They owned everything they needed to construct an working bomb at that location," the prosecutor stated.
As part of carried out search warrants, authorities allegedly located posters for the Turtle Island Liberation Front at one individual's home that called for "Down with America", and "Death to ICE". At another individual's apartment, police discovered a version of the detailed explosives scheme.
The individuals were detained peacefully. They were set to appear in court in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon.
