US authorities stated on Monday that they had effectively disrupted a detailed plan to detonate bombs at multiple locations run by two American companies on New Year's Eve in the LA region. The move resulted from the arrest of individuals associated with an militant faction advocating for anti-corporate and anti-authority views.
Suspects Apprehended During Desert Practice
Four suspects were arrested last Friday in the Mojave Desert located east of Los Angeles at the time they were reportedly practicing their proposed operation. Officials showed from above monitoring footage to the media, that showed the suspects carrying a big dark device to a table. Officials stressed that the detainments were made prior to the individuals could assemble a working IED.
Identities of the Suspects Made Public
According to the filed legal filing, the four suspects listed are Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32 years old; 24-year-old Dante Gaffield; and Tina Lai, 41. The group are understood to be from the Los Angeles area.
Reported Motivation and Group Affiliations
While authorities did not directly describe a rationale, they stated the individuals are adherents of a splinter group called the Turtle Island Liberation Front. This organization reportedly advocates for "the working class to revolt and resist against capitalism," according to the legal filing.
They face include conspiracy to commit a crime and having a destructive device. The government indicated that further charges are likely in the weeks ahead.
Details of the Supposed "The Midnight Sun Plan"
Officials stated that one of the individuals had devised a step-by-step blueprint last month to bomb at least five commercial sites across Southern California on New Year's Eve. The targets were characterized as "Amazon-type" fulfillment centers.
"The plan was specific," the attorney remarked. "It laid out step-by-step instructions to construct explosive devices … and identified multiple objectives across Orange county and Los Angeles."
As per the investigation and court documents, the plan called for planting bags containing intricate pipe bombs that were scheduled to be detonated at the same time at midnight on New Year's Eve at several places. New Year's Eve was identified as an perfect time because the plan noted "fireworks will be going off at this time so blast noises will be less likely to be noticed."
An eight-page longhand blueprint, called "OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN," noted that more locations could be included. The locations were identified as assets and operations operated by two distinct corporations tied to activities related to national and international trade.
Future Plans and Proof Seized
The investigation also indicated that two people in the collective had discussed future strikes aimed at ICE agents officers and cars with IEDs in 2026. One individual reportedly commented that such actions "would eliminate some and frighten the rest of them."
These plans were reportedly planned both at an face-to-face gathering in Los Angeles and through an secure communication application.
Images contained in the case file depict a desert campsite with what investigators described as bomb-making components strewn across makeshift work surfaces.
The filing notes that the suspects "all brought bomb-making components to the location, including different sizes of plastic pipes, believed to be potassium nitrate, fuel, charcoal powder, powdered sulfur, and material to be used as igniters, and more."
The scheme also had directions on how to manufacture the bombs and how to not leave behind traces that could be linked back to the faction. The individuals had not long ago purchased precursor chemicals and other goods, including purchases from online retailers.
Operation and Follow-up
The FBI took action last week when the suspects were practicing the attack in the desert near Twentynine Palms. "They had everything they required to make an functional bomb at that place," the attorney stated.
During executed searches, officials reportedly located signs for the Turtle Island Liberation Front at one accused's residence that advocated "America Must Fall", and "Eliminate ICE". At another suspect's home, police located a copy of the comprehensive bomb plan.
The individuals were taken into custody peacefully. They were due to appear in court in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon.
