Federal authorities say they have disrupted a coordinated bombing plot aimed at multiple targets in California, including immigration agents and large logistics facilities, arresting four people before any functional explosive devices could be assembled.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Monday that the FBI intervened in what she described as a planned series of attacks intended to begin on New Year’s Eve in the Los Angeles area. The suspects are accused of conspiring to build and deploy explosive devices as part of what prosecutors allege was an ideologically driven campaign targeting government and corporate entities.
“This was a serious and credible threat,” Bondi said in a statement. “The FBI’s swift action prevented what could have been a devastating act of domestic terrorism.”
Charges Filed in Federal Court
According to a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the four defendants have been charged with conspiracy and possession of an unregistered destructive device. Those charged were identified as Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41.
Reuters was unable to immediately determine whether the defendants have retained legal representation. None have been convicted, and all allegations remain unproven unless established in court.
Prosecutors allege the group was affiliated with an organization calling itself the Turtle Island Liberation Front, which authorities describe as a far-left, anti-capitalist, anti-government movement with pro-Palestinian messaging.
Alleged New Year’s Eve Attack Plan
Court documents allege the group planned to plant explosive devices at five separate locations in the Los Angeles area at midnight on New Year’s Eve. The targets included two unnamed companies described by officials as large logistics or distribution centers similar in scale and function to major e-commerce hubs.
Bill Essayli, the U.S. Attorney overseeing the case in Los Angeles, said during a press conference that investigators intentionally withheld the names of the companies due to security concerns.
“These were facilities where an explosion could have caused significant harm,” Essayli said. “The public should understand that this was not an abstract plan. This was moving toward execution.”
According to the complaint, the group also discussed targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and vehicles with pipe bombs in early 2026. One defendant allegedly stated in group messages that such attacks would “take some of them out and scare the rest.”
FBI Intervention Before Device Assembly
Federal investigators said the FBI stepped in before the suspects were able to construct a functional explosive device. Surveillance footage shown at a press conference depicted individuals gathered at a remote location in the Mojave Desert, laying out precursor chemicals and bomb-making components on a table.
Authorities allege the group traveled to the desert on December 12 with the intention of conducting test detonations. Agents moved in before the materials could be fully assembled into working explosives.
“This case underscores the importance of proactive intelligence and early intervention,” Bondi said. “We cannot wait for devices to be completed or detonated before taking action.”
All four suspects were arrested the same day, December 12, according to prosecutors.
“Operation Midnight Sun”
The complaint alleges that the plot was outlined in detail weeks earlier. In November, Carroll is accused of presenting an eight-page handwritten document titled “Operation Midnight Sun” to a paid confidential informant working with federal authorities.
The document allegedly described the group’s motivations, potential targets, and a timeline for the planned bombings. Investigators say the informant’s cooperation played a key role in allowing the FBI to monitor the suspects’ activities in real time.
According to a sworn statement filed with the court, Carroll and Page later recruited Gaffield and Lai to assist with logistics, material acquisition, and travel.
Encrypted Messaging and Ideological Motivation
Prosecutors say the defendants communicated extensively through an encrypted Signal group chat named “Order of the Black Lotus,” which one member reportedly described as “radical.”
The Turtle Island Liberation Front’s social media presence, cited in the complaint, describes the group as devoted to “liberation through decolonization and tribal sovereignty.” Federal officials allege the ideology espoused by the group combines anti-capitalist, anti-government beliefs with militant rhetoric.
Bondi characterized the group as part of a broader category of extremist movements that federal law enforcement has been instructed to monitor more closely.
The case follows a recent Justice Department memo issued by Bondi directing prosecutors and investigators to intensify scrutiny of extremist groups across the ideological spectrum, including those with left-wing agendas.
Broader Security Context
While federal officials emphasized that no explosives were detonated and no injuries occurred, they described the alleged plot as a reminder of the evolving domestic threat landscape.
“Domestic extremism is not confined to any one ideology,” Essayli said. “Our responsibility is to stop violence before it happens, regardless of where it comes from.”
Law enforcement officials stressed that the FBI’s actions prevented potential mass casualties, particularly given the timing of the alleged plan on a holiday associated with public gatherings and heightened activity.
New Year’s Eve has historically been considered a high-risk date for security agencies due to crowds, celebrations, and symbolic significance.
Possible Additional Charges
Prosecutors indicated the case is still unfolding and that additional charges may be forthcoming. Essayli said investigators are continuing to analyze digital communications, financial records, and seized materials.
“I fully expect more charges as we continue reviewing the evidence,” he said.
If convicted, the defendants could face significant prison sentences under federal explosives and conspiracy statutes.
Officials Emphasize Prevention
At Monday’s press conference, officials highlighted the role of interagency cooperation, intelligence gathering, and confidential sources in thwarting the alleged plot.
“This is exactly how the system is supposed to work,” one senior law enforcement official said. “Identify credible threats early, disrupt planning, and keep the public safe.”
Bondi echoed that message, framing the arrests as part of a broader commitment to preventing politically motivated violence.
“There is no justification for violence against civilians, law enforcement, or infrastructure,” she said. “Those who seek to terrorize communities will be held accountable.”
Investigation Continues
The defendants remain in federal custody pending court proceedings. A detention hearing is expected in the coming days, during which prosecutors may argue that the suspects pose a continuing danger to the community.
As the case moves forward, officials say more details may emerge about the scope of the alleged conspiracy, including whether additional individuals were aware of or involved in the planning.
For now, authorities say the threat has been neutralized — but the investigation remains active.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
