🔗 Share this article

Federal agents stated on Monday that they had successfully thwarted a elaborate plan to detonate bombs at multiple sites run by two American firms on New Year's Eve in Southern California. This action followed the detainment of individuals linked to an radical faction espousing anti-corporate and anti-government ideologies.

Those Arrested Taken Into Custody During Isolated Dry Run

A quartet of individuals were detained last Friday in the remote area situated east of Los Angeles at the time they were allegedly practicing their planned attack. Officials displayed aerial surveillance video to the media, that showed the individuals carrying a big dark object to a workspace. Authorities noted that the apprehensions were made ahead of the suspects could construct a working bomb.

Details of the Those Charged Disclosed

As per the public court documents, the four suspects named are Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, who is 41. Each of them are reportedly from the greater Los Angeles vicinity.

Alleged Driving Force and Connections

While officials did not clearly outline a reason, they said the suspects are adherents of a faction dubbed the Turtle Island Liberation Front. The group allegedly calls for "laborers to rebel and resist against the capitalist system," according to the court papers.

They face comprise plotting and owning a explosive. Officials indicated that more accusations are expected in the weeks ahead.

Particulars of the Reported "The Midnight Sun Plan"

Prosecutors revealed that one of the suspects had created a meticulous plan last month to target five or more business locations across Southern California on New Year's Eve. The targets were described as "similar to Amazon" distribution warehouses.

"This scheme was explicit," the attorney remarked. "It included detailed directions to construct explosive devices … and named multiple sites across the county of Orange and Los Angeles."

Based on the probe and the complaint, the plan involved positioning bags filled with sophisticated explosive devices that were planned to be set off 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 document noted "pyrotechnics will be going off at this time so explosions will be harder to be heard."

The handwritten, eight-page longhand blueprint, titled "OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN," noted that additional targets could be included. The facilities were identified as property and buildings operated by two different corporations connected with operations related to national and international trade.

Long-term Schemes and Proof Uncovered

The criminal complaint also revealed that two people in the collective had planned subsequent operations aimed at ICE agents personnel and vehicles with IEDs in 2026. One accused according to the complaint commented that such attacks "would kill some and frighten the rest of them."

These plans were allegedly planned both at an physical gathering in Los Angeles and through an secure communication application.

Images included in the court documents depict a remote camp with what authorities said were bomb-making items scattered on makeshift work surfaces.

The filing notes that the suspects "carried IED parts to the campsite, including assorted sizes of PVC pipes, believed to be an oxidizer, charcoal briquettes, fuel powder, powdered sulfur, and items to be used as detonators, along with other items."

Instructions also contained steps on how to construct the bombs and how to prevent leaving forensic clues that could be linked back to the group. The suspects had recently acquired chemical ingredients and other materials, via acquisitions from e-commerce sites.

Operation and Subsequent Actions

Authorities took action last week as the suspects were running through the attack in the remote area near a California town. "They owned everything they were necessary to build an working IED at that location," the prosecutor commented.

In the course of served raids, investigators reportedly located signs for the Turtle Island Liberation Front at one accused's dwelling that demanded "America Must Fall", and "Eliminate ICE". At another individual's residence, police found a version of the elaborate attack blueprint.

The suspects were taken into custody without a struggle. They were set to face a judge in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon.