Federal authorities in the United States have announced the disruption of a significant terror plot, arresting four individuals allegedly planning coordinated bomb attacks across Southern California on New Year's Eve.
Desert Rehearsal Leads to Arrests
According to officials, the four suspects were taken into custody on Friday in the Mojave Desert, east of Los Angeles, as they were reportedly rehearsing their plans. Bill Essayli, the First Assistant US Attorney, stated that surveillance footage captured the group moving a large black object in the desert. Authorities moved in before the suspects could assemble a functional explosive device.
The individuals charged are Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41. All are from the Los Angeles area. They face charges including conspiracy and possession of a destructive device, with more expected in the coming weeks.
"Operation Midnight Sun" and Anti-Capitalist Motive
The criminal complaint outlines a detailed plan, handwritten by Carroll and titled "OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN". It allegedly provided step-by-step instructions to build improvised explosive devices (IEDs) intended for five or more business locations. Officials described the targets as "Amazon-type" logistical centres in Orange County and Los Angeles.
The plot aimed to use backpacks filled with complex pipe bombs, set for simultaneous detonation at midnight on 31 December. The plan noted that the widespread fireworks would help mask the explosions. Investigators said the group are members of an offshoot of a pro-Palestinian group called the Turtle Island Liberation Front, which calls for the working class to "rise up and fight back against capitalism."
Future Plans and Evidence Uncovered
Beyond the New Year's plot, the complaint reveals that two members discussed future attacks targeting US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and vehicles with pipe bombs in 2026. Carroll allegedly remarked such an attack "would take some of them out and scare the rest."
During searches, authorities found posters at Carroll's home advocating "Death to America" and "Death to ICE." A copy of the bomb plan was discovered at Page's residence. Photos from court documents show a desert campsite strewn with bomb-making components, including PVC pipes, potassium nitrate, charcoal, sulfur powder, and fusing material, some allegedly purchased from online retailers like Amazon.
A Unified Law Enforcement Response
The FBI intervened last week as the group rehearsed near Twentynine Palms, California. Jim McDonnell, Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, emphasised the successful collaboration between federal and local agencies. "The successful disruption of this plot is a powerful testament to the strength of our unified response," he stated, while reiterating the LAPD's long-standing policy of not enforcing federal immigration laws.
The suspects were taken into custody without incident and were scheduled for an initial court appearance in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon. Officials have not yet named legal representation for the four individuals.
