FBI Charges Four in Alleged California New Years Eve Bombing Plot

Federal authorities announced charges against four individuals in an alleged domestic terrorism plot. The group was accused of planning coordinated bombings across Southern California on New Year’s Eve. The FBI said it disrupted the plot during an operation in the Mojave Desert. All suspects are now in custody, averting a potential crisis.

New Year’s Eve Bomb Plot Thwarted by FBI Operation

Four people face federal conspiracy charges. The FBI made the arrests in Lucerne Valley, California. This happened last Friday, according to authorities.

The suspects were allegedly preparing at a desert campsite. They had bomb-making materials under a tent. Court documents describe the items found.

Materials included PVC pipes and chemical powders. Suspected potassium nitrate and sulfur were recovered. Fuse components were also seized.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed the details. He spoke at a news conference covered by the Associated Press. More charges may be filed later.

The defendants are from the Los Angeles area. They are identified as Audrey Carroll, Zachary Page, Dante Gaffield, and Tina Lai. Authorities linked them to an anti-government group.

This group calls itself the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF). Investigators found related propaganda during home searches. Posters with radical slogans were recovered.

Handwritten Plan Detailed Simultaneous Attacks

The alleged plot was titled “Operation Midnight Sun”. A handwritten plan outlined the attack details. This is according to the criminal complaint.

The plan called for five backpack bombs. These devices were to be placed at undisclosed locations. All were intended to detonate at midnight.

“These bombs were to blow up at the same time,” said FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis. He spoke to ABC7 News. The goal was a coordinated strike.

The devices were described as complex pipe bombs. Instructions focused on avoiding forensic evidence. This aimed to prevent tracing the devices.

Authorities believe they arrested all direct plotters. The investigation involved prolonged surveillance. The campsite was monitored before the raid.

The targeted locations have not been publicly disclosed. Officials cited ongoing security reasons. The public was never in immediate danger.

Group’s Ideology and Potential Motives

The TILF group promotes anti-capitalist and anti-government views. Materials referenced “Turtle Island,” a term for North America. Some slogans expressed support for Palestine.

Authorities are investigating the group’s structure and connections. No international terrorism link has been alleged. The case is being treated as domestic extremism.

All four defendants remain in federal custody. They are scheduled for court appearances soon. The charges carry severe potential penalties.

The swift action by the FBI has neutralized a serious threat linked to the alleged New Year’s Eve bomb plot. Officials credit interagency coordination for preventing the attacks. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat domestic violent extremism.