Federal authorities in Los Angeles have announced the disruption of an alleged bombing plot targeting southern California locations, with four individuals arrested in connection with the investigation. The FBI stated that it believes the plot has been disrupted, and an investigation into other potential suspects is ongoing.
Alleged Plot Details
According to information released by the FBI and Los Angeles law enforcement on Monday, the alleged plan involved planting explosive devices at two U.S. companies described as logistics centers in the Los Angeles area at midnight on New Year's Eve. The group also allegedly discussed attacking Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and vehicles with pipe bombs in January or February. As per the complaint, one suspect, Audrey Illeene Carroll, allegedly stated, "That would take some of them out and scare the rest of them."
Arrests and Charges
The arrested individuals are identified as:
- Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30
- Zachary Aaron Page, 32
- Dante Gaffield, 24
- Tina Lai, 41
They 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.
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. A surveillance plane reportedly captured footage of 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, which they described as an offshoot of a pro-Palestinian anti-government group.
Official Statements
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X on Sunday that agencies had prevented "far-left" extremists from executing "a massive and horrific terror plot." LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell remarked on the disruption, stating it was "a powerful testament to the strength of our unified response" and that allied agencies "prevented a potential tragedy."