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
Yale professor’s father charged in mother’s decades-old murder, says he ‘used me as bait’: report

Yale Professor’s Father Indicted in Decades-Old Murder Case Involving Mother; Allegedly Used Son in Scheme: Report

A Yale professor has broken her silence regarding her 81-year-old father’s arrest,…
Australian immigrant who tackled gunman 'riddled with bullets,' but 'said he’d do it again,' lawyer says

Fundraiser for Australian Hero Who Neutralized Bondi Beach Terrorist Exceeds $2.6 Million

More than $2.6 million has been raised in support of a man…
MLB news: Chicago White Sox add Japanese baseball star Munetaka Murakami with $34 million, 2-year contract

White Sox Secure Japanese Sensation Munetaka Murakami with $34 Million, Two-Year Deal

CHICAGO — In a strategic move to bolster their lineup, the Chicago…
Hidden holiday heart risks: Why heart attacks spike during the festive season

Unwrapping the Hidden Dangers: Why Heart Attacks Surge During the Festive Season

As the holiday season unfolds, many of us find ourselves indulging in…
Target Employee Receives Standing Ovation from Tens of Thousands at TPUSA

Target Employee Honored with Standing Ovation by Thousands at TPUSA Event

Jeanie Beeman, a Target employee who faced harassment for wearing a shirt…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

Son Involved in Shooting After Dispute Between Mother and Her Partner: JSO Reports

The injuries sustained by the victim are not life-threatening, according to the…
Mock funeral held for the penny at Lincoln Memorial as 230-year coin production ends

Farewell to the Penny: Historic Mock Funeral at Lincoln Memorial Marks End of 230-Year Coin Legacy

A crowd gathered in Washington, D.C., on Saturday to bid a symbolic…
Australian PM Albanese gets booed during Bondi Beach vigil honoring Hanukkah attack victims

Australian PM Albanese Faces Backlash at Bondi Beach Vigil for Hanukkah Attack Victims

During a solemn vigil at Bondi Beach on Sunday, Australian Prime Minister…
US Coast Guard pursues third 'dark fleet' oil tanker as Trump targets Venezuelan sanctions evasion network

US Coast Guard Chases Another Hidden Oil Tanker Amid Trump’s Crackdown on Venezuelan Sanctions Evasion

The U.S. Coast Guard is actively chasing a sanctioned oil tanker near…
Today in History: December 21, Pilgrims come ashore for the first time

Historic Milestone: Pilgrims Land on American Shores – December 21

As we mark Sunday, December 21, 2025, we find ourselves on the…
Chicago holiday travelers: Thousands of travelers going through O'Hare, Midway airports, roads as Christmas travel rush begins

Chicago Sees Surge in Holiday Travelers as Christmas Rush Commences at O’Hare and Midway Airports

The bustling holiday travel period has commenced as countless individuals embark on…
Yankees re-signing Paul Blackburn to one-year deal

Yankees Secure Paul Blackburn with a One-Year Contract Renewal

The Yankees are set to welcome back another familiar face from their…