Federal authorities in Los Angeles have announced the disruption of an alleged bombing plot targeting locations in Southern California. Four individuals, identified as alleged members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front, were arrested last week and face charges including conspiracy and possession of an unregistered destructive device. The FBI stated its belief that the plot has been disrupted, and an investigation into other potential suspects is ongoing.
Arrests and Charges
Four individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with the alleged plot:
- Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30
- Zachary Aaron Page, 32
- Dante Gaffield, 24
- Tina Lai, 41
The individuals face charges including conspiracy and possession of an unregistered destructive device, according to a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Alleged Plot Details
According to information released by the FBI and Los Angeles law enforcement, the alleged plan involved two primary targets:
- Planting explosive devices at two U.S. companies described as logistics centers in the Los Angeles area at midnight on New Year's Eve.
- Discussions among the group also allegedly included attacking Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and vehicles with pipe bombs in January or February. According to the complaint, Ms. Carroll allegedly stated, "That would take some of them out and scare the rest of them."
Apprehension of Suspects
The arrests occurred last week as the suspects traveled to a desert area east of Los Angeles. Officials stated during a Monday media conference that on December 12, the group traveled with "precursor chemicals," with the alleged intention of creating bombs or testing improvised explosive devices. Surveillance footage reportedly captured their movements, leading to their apprehension by the Los Angeles FBI SWAT team and the FBI without incident.
Group Affiliation
Officials identified the arrested individuals as alleged members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILL), which they described as an offshoot of a pro-Palestinian anti-government group.
Official Statements
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated on X on Sunday that agencies had prevented "far-left" extremists from executing "a massive and horrific terror plot."
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell commented on the disruption during a Monday media conference, stating it was "a powerful testament to the strength of our unified response." He added that allied agencies "prevented a potential tragedy and reaffirmed our shared commitment to safeguarding our communities."
Ongoing Investigation
The FBI has indicated its belief that the plot has been "disrupted," and an investigation to identify other potential suspects remains ongoing.