FBI Thwarts New Year's Eve Bombing Plot in Southern California
Published 15 December 2025
Highlights
- Four members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front were arrested for planning New Year's Eve bombings in Southern California.
- The FBI disrupted the plot, which targeted logistical centers and potentially ICE agents, with arrests made in the Mojave Desert.
- The suspects face charges of conspiracy and possession of unregistered destructive devices, with further charges anticipated.
- The group's plan, "OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN," involved using fireworks as cover for simultaneous explosions.
- The investigation continues to identify additional suspects linked to the anti-capitalist extremist group.
-
Rewritten Article
Headline: FBI Thwarts New Year's Eve Bombing Plot in Southern California
Federal authorities have successfully foiled a planned New Year's Eve bombing attack in Southern California, arresting four individuals linked to an extremist group. The suspects, identified as Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41, were apprehended in the Mojave Desert east of Los Angeles last week. They are accused of plotting to bomb multiple sites associated with two US companies, described as logistical centers, according to the FBI and Los Angeles law enforcement.
The suspects, part of the Turtle Island Liberation Front, an offshoot of a pro-Palestinian anti-capitalist group, were allegedly rehearsing their plan when arrested. The FBI's intervention prevented the assembly of functional explosive devices, which were intended to be detonated at midnight on New Year's Eve. The plot, dubbed "OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN," aimed to exploit the cover of fireworks to mask the explosions.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the coordinated efforts of federal and local agencies, stating that the disruption of the plot averted a "massive and horrific terror attack." The suspects face charges of conspiracy and possession of unregistered destructive devices, with additional charges expected.
The criminal complaint reveals that the group also discussed future attacks targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and vehicles. Carroll allegedly devised a detailed plan, including step-by-step instructions for building improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and selecting targets across Orange County and Los Angeles.
The FBI continues to investigate potential additional suspects involved in the plot. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized the importance of the unified response in preventing a potential tragedy and reaffirmed the commitment to safeguarding communities.
-
Scenario Analysis
The successful disruption of this plot highlights the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups in the United States. As the investigation progresses, authorities may uncover further details about the group's network and potential additional threats. The legal proceedings against the suspects will likely involve complex charges, given the severity of the planned attacks.
Politically, this incident may reignite debates over domestic terrorism and the measures needed to prevent such threats. The involvement of an anti-capitalist group could also influence discussions around political extremism and its impact on national security. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial for law enforcement agencies to maintain vigilance and continue their efforts to thwart similar plots.
Federal authorities have successfully foiled a planned New Year's Eve bombing attack in Southern California, arresting four individuals linked to an extremist group. The suspects, identified as Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41, were apprehended in the Mojave Desert east of Los Angeles last week. They are accused of plotting to bomb multiple sites associated with two US companies, described as logistical centers, according to the FBI and Los Angeles law enforcement.
The suspects, part of the Turtle Island Liberation Front, an offshoot of a pro-Palestinian anti-capitalist group, were allegedly rehearsing their plan when arrested. The FBI's intervention prevented the assembly of functional explosive devices, which were intended to be detonated at midnight on New Year's Eve. The plot, dubbed "OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN," aimed to exploit the cover of fireworks to mask the explosions.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the coordinated efforts of federal and local agencies, stating that the disruption of the plot averted a "massive and horrific terror attack." The suspects face charges of conspiracy and possession of unregistered destructive devices, with additional charges expected.
The criminal complaint reveals that the group also discussed future attacks targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and vehicles. Carroll allegedly devised a detailed plan, including step-by-step instructions for building improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and selecting targets across Orange County and Los Angeles.
The FBI continues to investigate potential additional suspects involved in the plot. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized the importance of the unified response in preventing a potential tragedy and reaffirmed the commitment to safeguarding communities.
What this might mean
The successful disruption of this plot highlights the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups in the United States. As the investigation progresses, authorities may uncover further details about the group's network and potential additional threats. The legal proceedings against the suspects will likely involve complex charges, given the severity of the planned attacks.
Politically, this incident may reignite debates over domestic terrorism and the measures needed to prevent such threats. The involvement of an anti-capitalist group could also influence discussions around political extremism and its impact on national security. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial for law enforcement agencies to maintain vigilance and continue their efforts to thwart similar plots.
