4 charged with plotting New Year's Eve attacks in Southern California, prosecutors say
Share this @internewscast.com

LOS ANGELES — In a significant development, federal authorities revealed on Monday the capture of four individuals allegedly affiliated with an extremist faction, accused of orchestrating bombing attacks planned for New Year’s Eve throughout Southern California.

The suspects, identified as Audrey Carroll, Zachary Page, Dante Gaffield, and Tina Lai, are purported members of a group called the “Turtle Island Liberation Front,” which holds strong anti-capitalist and anti-government ideologies. They face charges of conspiracy and possession of unregistered destructive devices related to their suspected plot.

The arrests occurred last week in Lucerne Valley, located near the desert city of Twentynine Palms, California, which is known for its Marine Corps base. All four individuals hail from the Los Angeles area.

During a press briefing on Monday, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli indicated that the group might face further charges. Authorities believe they have apprehended all participants directly involved in the plot, although the group may have additional members.

The arrested individuals are slated to make their initial court appearance later on Monday afternoon.

According to the criminal complaint, Carroll handed over a handwritten document titled “Operation Midnight Sun” to an FBI confidential source in November. The document allegedly outlined a plan to place backpacks containing improvised explosive devices at five locations, targeting two U.S. companies, with the intention to detonate them simultaneously at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

“These bombs were to blow up at the same time at midnight this New Year’s Eve,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis. “The plan stated that the IEDs would be complex pipe bombs and included instructions on how to manufacture the bombs and contain guidance on how to avoid leaving evidence behind that can be traced back.”

Evidence photos in the court documents show a desert campsite with what investigators said were bomb-making materials strewn across plastic folding tables.

The suspects “all brought bomb-making components to the campsite, including various sizes of PVC pipes, suspected potassium nitrate, charcoal, charcoal powder, sulfur powder, and material to be used as fuses, among others,” the complaint states.

Agents allegedly placed the group under arrest after they took steps to build the devices under a tent that was allegedly intended to shield the materials from the sun.

Carroll and other participants are alleged to have formed a Signal chat known as the “Order of the Black Lotus,” which they deemed a “radical” faction of the TILF and ultimately used it to discuss their bombing plot.

In a search of Carroll’s residence, investigators uncovered posters and materials associated with TILF including one reading “DEATH TO ICE” and another reading “DEATH TO AMERICA, LONG LIVE TURTLE ISLAND & PALESTINE.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2025 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente identified as Brown University and MIT shooting suspect, found dead

Suspect in Brown University and MIT Shootings, Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente, Found Deceased

In a shocking turn of events, law enforcement authorities have linked the…
'Person of Interest' Identified in Brown University Shooting Investigation

Key Suspect Emerges in Brown University Shooting Case

The investigation into the recent shooting at Brown University has identified a…
Nets Notebook: Haywood Highsmith still progressing, no timeline for return

Brooklyn Nets Update: Haywood Highsmith’s Comeback Progresses, Return Date Uncertain

Though Haywood Highsmith has been a guiding force from the sidelines, the…
US civilian interpreter killed in Syria identified as devoted father of four

US Civilian Interpreter Tragically Lost in Syria Remembered as Dedicated Father of Four

The tragic loss of Ayad Mansoor Sakat, a civilian interpreter, in Palmyra,…
Tren de Aragua gang leader charged with racketeering conspiracy and cocaine trafficking under Trump crackdown

Tren de Aragua Gang Leader Faces Charges for Racketeering and Cocaine Trafficking Amid Trump-Era Crackdown

Authorities in New York have revealed an indictment against the leader of…
Rick Pitino ready to face his former school, captain as St. John’s meets Kentucky in final non-conference test

Rick Pitino Set to Lead St. John’s Against Former Team Kentucky in Significant Non-Conference Showdown

Rick Pitino vividly recalls the emotional reception he received at Rupp Arena…
Today in History: December 19, U.S. auto industry gets emergency bailout

On This Day: December 19 – U.S. Auto Industry Secures Crucial Emergency Bailout

Today marks Friday, December 19, 2025, the 353rd day of the calendar…
Alleged human smuggling operation exposed in Texas as 17 illegal aliens found inside residential home

Texas Authorities Uncover Suspected Human Smuggling Ring with 17 Undocumented Immigrants in Home Raid

Authorities have uncovered what they believe to be a human smuggling operation…
US prisons battle evolving drone technology used to smuggle contraband to inmates

U.S. Prisons Confront Advancements in Drone Technology Used for Smuggling Contraband to Inmates

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The frequency of drones flying over U.S. prisons is…
Zelenskyy calls for US to respond to 'signals' Russia is 'preparing to make next year a year of war'

Zelenskyy Urges US Action Amid Warnings of Russia’s Escalating War Plans for 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning to the United…
NAS Jacksonville sailor arrested after two women killed at Clay County home

Shocking Tragedy at NAS Jacksonville: Sailor Arrested in Double Homicide Case

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has reported the arrest of Taylor Lomax,…
Israel hits Hezbollah targets in Lebanon ahead of deadline to disarm terror group

Israel Strikes Hezbollah in Lebanon as Disarmament Deadline Looms

In a significant escalation, Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting southern…