FBI Thwarts New Year’s Eve Bomb Plot in Southern California

Federal authorities have disrupted a domestic terrorism plot. Four alleged members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front were arrested on December 16. They were taken into custody in the Mojave Desert.

According to Reuters, the group planned coordinated bombings. The targets were multiple business locations across Southern California. The attack was scheduled for New Year’s Eve.

Bill Essayli is the First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California. He announced the charges in a public statement. Essayli stated there is zero tolerance for domestic terrorism in the United States.

The suspects face serious federal charges. They are charged with conspiracy and possession of an unregistered destructive device. A criminal complaint details the allegations.

All four defendants had their initial court appearances in Los Angeles. The investigation remains active and ongoing. Prosecutors expect to file additional charges soon.

Defendants and Alleged Terrorist Group Details

The four defendants are all from the Los Angeles area. Their identities have been released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Each is an alleged member of the same far-left group.

Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30, is from South Los Angeles. Prosecutors allege she created the detailed bombing plan last month. The plan included instructions for building improvised explosive devices.

Zachary Aaron Page is 32 and from Torrance. He is accused of bringing bomb components to a desert campsite. Authorities say the group assembled devices there.

Dante Gaffield, 24, is from South Los Angeles. Tina Lai, 41, is from Glendale. Both are charged with conspiracy and participating in encrypted communications about the plot.

The group is called the Turtle Island Liberation Front. The Associated Press describes it as anti-capitalist and anti-government. Investigators say the arrests followed careful surveillance.

Law enforcement found bomb-making materials at the campsite. The items included PVC pipes, chemicals, and fuse components. Officials believe all direct conspirators are now in custody.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety

The FBI led the operation to stop this plot. No explosives were detonated. There is no continuing threat to the public linked to this case.

Authorities emphasize the seriousness of the alleged plan. Targeting businesses on a major holiday showed clear intent. The goal was to cause maximum disruption and fear.

This case highlights the work of federal law enforcement. Monitoring and preventing domestic terrorism is a top priority. Collaboration between agencies led to these arrests.

The disruption of this New Year’s Eve bomb plot underscores persistent security challenges. Federal authorities continue to investigate the reach and motives of the alleged group. This case remains a active priority for national security officials.