Four Charged in Alleged Extremist Bombing Plan Across SoCal
Federal prosecutors have charged four individuals accused of plotting coordinated bombing attacks on New Year’s Eve in Southern California, uncovering what authorities describe as a serious extremist threat aimed at disrupting public safety during the holiday.
The suspects are alleged members of an anti-government extremist group, and investigators say the planned attacks were narrowly prevented through federal surveillance and intervention.
Four Suspects Arrested in New Year’s Eve Bomb Plot
The defendants — Audrey Carroll, Zachary Page, Dante Gaffield, and Tina Lai — were taken into custody following an investigation into a suspected terror plot involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
According to prosecutors, all four are residents of the Los Angeles area and were arrested in Lucerne Valley, California, a remote desert region near Twentynine Palms.
They now face federal charges including:
- Conspiracy
- Possession of unregistered destructive devices
Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Alleged Extremist Group and Coordinated Attack Plan
Authorities say the suspects are affiliated with an extremist organization known as the Turtle Island Liberation Front, described as anti-capitalist and anti-government in ideology.
Prosecutors allege the group planned to carry out simultaneous bombings at midnight on New Year’s Eve, targeting multiple locations in Southern California.
Operation “Midnight Sun”
Investigators revealed that a handwritten document titled “Operation Midnight Sun” outlined the alleged attack strategy, which included:
- Placing backpacks containing IEDs
- Coordinated detonation at five locations
- Targeting commercial logistics companies
- Detonation timed for midnight on New Year’s Eve
Officials declined to name specific target locations due to security concerns.
Bomb-Making Materials Found at Desert Campsite
Court documents describe a desert campsite allegedly used as a bomb-making rehearsal site, where law enforcement discovered materials consistent with explosive construction.
Items reportedly seized include:
- PVC pipes of various sizes
- Suspected potassium nitrate
- Charcoal and sulfur powders
- Fuse materials and ignition components
Investigators say the group intended to assemble the devices under a tent to conceal their activity.
Encrypted Messaging and Online Extremist Activity
Authorities also allege the suspects used encrypted messaging apps to coordinate their plans. A private chat group reportedly served as the communication hub for discussing logistics, recruitment, and execution of the plot.
In addition, investigators are examining social media accounts believed to be linked to the group, which allegedly promoted violent rhetoric and encouraged revolutionary action.
Search warrants executed at multiple residences in Glendale and South Los Angeles uncovered extremist propaganda materials and digital evidence tied to the case.
First Court Appearance and Ongoing Investigation
All four suspects made their initial appearance in federal court and remain in custody as proceedings continue. Prosecutors indicated that additional members of the broader group may exist, though authorities believe those directly involved in the bombing plot have been arrested.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the case highlights the continued threat posed by domestic extremist groups and the importance of coordinated intelligence efforts to prevent mass-casualty events.
Key Takeaways
- Four suspects charged in alleged New Year’s Eve bombing plot
- Planned coordinated IED attacks across Southern California
- Bomb-making materials discovered at desert campsite
- Encrypted messaging and extremist propaganda linked to suspects
- Investigation ongoing, with more charges possible
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