In a significant development, four people have been federally charged in a thwarted New Year’s Eve bombing plot in Southern California, as announced by the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The indictment reveals a chilling plan to attack several businesses and target Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents after the holiday season.
The accused are reportedly linked to the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF), an anti-government extremist group that allegedly endorsed terrorism and sought to cause extensive harm. Authorities have identified the suspects as Audrey Illeene Carroll, Zachary Aaron Page, Dante James Anthony-Gaffield, and Tina Lai, who referred to their planned attack as “Operation Midnight Sun.” The charges they face include conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, attempting to support terrorists, and possession of unregistered firearms.
According to court documents, the group intended to use pipe bombs to strike at least five different sites throughout Southern California. These targets included various technology and logistics businesses. This plot underscores the persistent threat posed by domestic extremist groups and the critical role of law enforcement in preventing potential disasters.
At a press conference on December 15, 2025, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell elaborated on these findings, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to counter terrorism. The new details have highlighted the importance of vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies to safeguard public safety.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, center, and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, right, outline new developments in a terrorism investigation on Dec. 15, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Damian Dovarganes/AP)
Court documents said the four individuals were planning on detonating pipe bombs targeting at least five locations, including technology and logistics businesses, across Southern California.
Throughout early December 2025, the defendants allegedly took steps to procure bomb-making materials and used encrypted messaging platforms to coordinate the construction and testing of explosive devices.
Images of suspects in an alleged terror plot are presented on a screen during a Los Angeles press conference on Dec. 15, 2025. (Damian Dovarganes/AP)
Authorities reported that Carroll, through encrypted messaging, made alarming statements including “I identify as a terrorist,” “I am a Hamas fangirl” and had goals of “completely pulverizing” buildings. She allegedly denounced peaceful protests while discussing fantasies of ambushing law enforcement agents.
The terror plot was reportedly foiled on Dec. 12, when the defendants traveled to the Mojave Desert to conduct live weapons testing but were abruptly intercepted by members of the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team.
Officials said that despite the defendants’ efforts to avoid detection — such as wrapping phones in tinfoil to create “makeshift Faraday bags” and using apps that automatically delete encrypted messages — law enforcement was able to intercept their plans with the help of informants and undercover agents.
Authorities stated that defendant Carroll had unknowingly shared the group’s bombing plans with law enforcement assets. Through this, the FBI reportedly obtained copies of handwritten bombing plans, lists of required bomb-making materials, and information about the group’s extremist messaging network.
Defendants Carroll and Page also allegedly discussed plans they intended to carry out after the New Year’s Eve bombings, including targeting ICE agents and vehicles in order to intimidate and harm law enforcement, according to court documents.
All four defendants are expected to make their initial appearances in federal court in the Central District of California.
