FBI Disrupts Alleged Bomb Plot in Southern California
Federal authorities in Los Angeles have announced the disruption of a suspected New Year's Eve bomb plot. The FBI stated it believes it has "disrupted the plot," and an investigation to identify additional potential suspects is ongoing.
Arrests and Charges
Four individuals identified as alleged members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILL) were arrested last week. TILL is described as an offshoot of a pro-Palestinian anti-government group. The arrested individuals are Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41. They face charges including conspiracy and possession of an unregistered destructive device, according to a complaint filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California.
Details of Alleged Plot
Officials stated during a media conference on Monday that the group traveled to a desert location east of Los Angeles on December 12 with "precursor chemicals," where they allegedly intended to create improvised explosive devices. Surveillance footage reportedly captured their movements, leading to their arrest by the Los Angeles FBI SWAT team and FBI agents without incident.
The alleged bombing plot involved planting explosive devices at two US logistics centers in the Los Angeles area at midnight on New Year's Eve. Additionally, the complaint indicates the group allegedly discussed attacking Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and vehicles with pipe bombs in January or February. Carroll is quoted in the complaint as allegedly stating, "That would take some of them out and scare the rest of them."
Official Responses
US Attorney General Pam Bondi stated on social media on Sunday that agencies prevented "a massive terror plot." LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell commented on the disruption of the plot, noting that collaborative efforts among agencies "prevented a potential tragedy."