US Citizen Flees to China After Allegedly Planting Bomb at Florida Airbase
Authorities are searching for a US citizen who allegedly planted a bomb at a critical military installation in Florida before fleeing to China. The explosive device remained undiscovered for nearly a week at the visitors centre of MacDill Air Force Base, which houses the headquarters of US Central Command.
Details of the Alleged Bomb Plot
Alen Zheng, a US citizen, is suspected of placing an explosive device at the visitors centre of MacDill Air Force Base on 10 March. Following the placement, he reportedly called 911 to alert officials about the bomb. Despite an immediate search by investigators at the base, the device was not located for almost a full week.
In the interim, Alen Zheng and his sister, Ann Mary Zheng, also a US citizen, sold a car allegedly used in the planting of the bomb and travelled to China, arriving on 12 March. It was not until 16 March, four days after their departure, that investigators finally discovered the undetonated device.
Investigation and Charges
Upon finding the bomb, authorities tracked the 911 call back to Alen Zheng and located the vehicle at a used car dealership. Although the car had been thoroughly cleaned, forensic analysis revealed residue matching the explosive, according to the US attorney for the middle district of Florida.
Ann Mary Zheng was arrested in the United States after a brief trip to China and was arraigned in a federal court in Florida on Thursday. She faces charges for allegedly assisting her brother in evading arrest by helping him travel to China and selling the car used in the plot.
Alen Zheng has been indicted on three separate counts: attempted damage to government property by fire or explosion, unlawful manufacturing of a destructive device, and possession of an unregistered destructive device. Both siblings were charged in separate indictments this week.
International Implications
The FBI is leading the investigation into this case. While the United States does not have an official extradition treaty with China, both nations can negotiate on specific cases. It remains unclear whether the Zheng siblings also hold Chinese citizenship, which could complicate extradition efforts.
MacDill Air Force Base, located near Tampa, Florida, is a key military site that oversees ongoing operations, including those related to Iran. The incident has raised concerns about security at such high-profile installations.
