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
Yellow cabbie who rammed into two women on NYC sidewalk has TLC license suspended: officials

NYC Yellow Cab Driver’s License Suspended After Shocking Sidewalk Crash: Officials Respond

A city taxi driver involved in a shocking incident where her cab…
Vatican City appeals court overturns conviction against Cardinal Angelo Becciu

Vatican Court Clears Cardinal Angelo Becciu in High-Profile Appeal

ROME — In a surprising turn of events, the Vatican’s top appeals…
Illinois election results: Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi concedes to Pat Hynes in primary election 2026

Pat Hynes Triumphs Over Fritz Kaegi in Cook County Assessor Primary 2026

CHICAGO (WLS) — In a surprising turn of events, Pat Hynes emerged…
Here's who's really leading Iran with Supreme Leader MIA and top leaders killed

Leadership Dynamics in Iran: Navigating a Power Shift Amidst the Supreme Leader’s Absence and Leadership Losses

In a mere seventeen days, Iran witnessed the brief tenure of its…
Trump doesn’t endorse Paxton, Cornyn in heated GOP Texas Senate runoff

Trump Declines Endorsement in Fierce Texas GOP Senate Runoff Between Paxton and Cornyn

President Trump chose not to endorse a candidate by Tuesday’s deadline in…
Goon seen smirking on bodycam after gunning down NYPD hero Jonathan Diller -- as fellow cop breaks down on witness stand

Bodycam Captures Suspect’s Smirk After Tragic Shooting of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller; Emotional Testimony from Fellow Officer

A poignant scene unfolded in a Queens courtroom as jurors were shown…
Pittsburgh police officers accused of ignoring ICE agents’ struggle with suspect

Pittsburgh Officers Allegedly Overlook ICE Agents’ Confrontation with Suspect

Pittsburgh police officers refrained from stepping in as Immigration and Customs Enforcement…
Alabama gov orders flags lowered for Maj Alex Klinner after fatal Iraq plane crash; fundraiser garners $1.4M

Alabama Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Maj. Alex Klinner Following Tragic Iraq Plane Crash; Fundraiser Raises $1.4 Million

In a solemn tribute, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has decreed that American…
Ex-FBI official flags possible scam as third alleged Nancy Guthrie letter emerges

Retired K-9 Officer Nancy Guthrie Criticizes Decision Against Deploying Cadaver Dogs as “Illogical

A retired police K-9 handler is voicing concerns over the public management…
Rogers Park, Chicago fire: Firefighter Michael Altman dies amid blaze on West North Shore Avenue at Clark, CFD says

Heroic Firefighter Michael Altman Tragically Loses Life Battling Rogers Park Blaze on West North Shore Avenue

In a tragic turn of events, a Chicago firefighter lost his life…
Sen. Joni Ernst reveals $77B in 'secret' defense spending kept from taxpayers

Sen. Joni Ernst Uncovers $77 Billion in Concealed Defense Expenditures, Sparking Transparency Debate

WASHINGTON — In a significant revelation, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) disclosed to…
23 arrested in alleged illegal immigrant smuggling plot off California coast

Authorities Detain 23 Suspects in Alleged Human Smuggling Operation off California Coast

This past weekend, border officials apprehended 23 individuals in an unsuccessful smuggling…