LOS ANGELES (AP) — Federal authorities announced on Monday that they have thwarted a plot to bomb several sites associated with U.S. companies on New Year’s Eve in Southern California, resulting in the arrests of four suspects from an extremist anti-capitalist and anti-government group.
The arrests occurred this Friday in the Mojave Desert near Los Angeles, where the suspects were reportedly rehearsing their operation, according to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli during a press conference. Authorities released surveillance footage showing the suspects transferring a large black object as they planned their attack.
The arrested individuals include Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41, all residents of the Los Angeles area, as mentioned by Essayli.
Although officials did not publicly disclose the specifics of the suspects' motives, they indicated that these individuals are members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front, a group advocating for decolonization, tribal sovereignty, and an uprising against capitalism, as outlined in the criminal complaint.
Among the disturbing evidence presented were flyers found at the campsite that urged for a “Free Palestine” initiative. The suspects are charged with conspiracy and possession of a destructive device, with further charges anticipated as the investigation unfolds.
Details of the Planned Attack
According to Essayli, Carroll orchestrated an extensive plan to bomb five or more business establishments during the celebratory hours of New Year’s Eve. Though the specific companies were not named, they were described as resembling “Amazon-type” logistics centers.
Essayli emphasized the detailed nature of Carroll’s plot, which included explicit instructions on how to construct improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and a list of potential targets throughout Orange County and Los Angeles.
The plot's timeline indicated that attacks were intended to coincide with the midnight fireworks display on New Year’s Eve, as the suspects believed this would mask the explosions. Further evidence from the eight-page handwritten document noted additional target locations could be added later.
The criminal complaint also references discussions among two perpetrators about future attacks targeting ICE agents, with intentions to utilize pipe bombs.
Materials Found at Campsite
Photos included in the court documents revealed significant bomb-making materials scattered across the campsite in the desert. Investigators found diverse components including PVC pipes, potassium nitrate, sulfur powder, and fuse materials.
In their search, authorities discovered that the group had been actively purchasing precursor chemicals and other bomb manufacturing supplies from various online sources, including Amazon.
Carroll’s plans outlined methods for constructing explosives while also stressing the importance of leaving minimal evidence to ensure they wouldn’t be traced back to the group.
The FBI apprehended the suspects before they could complete the assembly of any explosive devices. The arrest followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering, with officials declaring that they had all necessary components to create an operational bomb at the time of their detention.
Federal and local law enforcement officials expressed their commitment to protecting the community, noting that while there may be disagreements on immigration policy or other issues, they unite when it comes to public safety.
The suspects are due to appear in court soon following their arrest.
