FBI Disrupts Major Terror Plot Ahead of New Year's Eve
Federal authorities have announced the disruption of a significant terror plot targeting Southern California on New Year's Eve, leading to the arrest of four suspects. The individuals, identified as members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF), a far-left, anti-government, and anti-capitalist extremist group, allegedly planned coordinated improvised explosive device (IED) bombings at multiple locations.
The arrests were made on Friday, December 12, 2025, in San Bernardino County's Mojave Desert, where the suspects were reportedly constructing and testing explosive devices. The FBI intervened before a functional bomb could be fully assembled. The plot, dubbed 'Operation Midnight Sun' by one of the alleged conspirators, aimed to detonate devices simultaneously at midnight on New Year's Eve.
Suspects Identified and Charges Filed
The four individuals arrested are Audrey Carroll, 30; Zachary Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41. All are residents of the Los Angeles area. They have been charged with conspiracy and possession of an unregistered destructive device. Officials indicated that additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses.
According to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, the suspects allegedly crafted a 'detailed, coordinated plot' to bomb two U.S. companies, described as 'logistics centers' or 'Amazon-type' facilities, across Los Angeles and Orange counties. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the plot targeted 'five separate locations across Los Angeles.'
Extremist Ideology and Broader Connections
Attorney General Pam Bondi described the Turtle Island Liberation Front as a 'far-left, pro-Palestine, anti-government, and anti-capitalist group.' The group's ideology, as described in court documents, includes calls for 'the working class to rise up and fight back against capitalism' and advocates for 'liberation through decolonization and tribal sovereignty.' The plot also allegedly included plans to target Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and vehicles.
In addition to the four arrests in California, a fifth individual, Micah James Legnon, believed to be linked to TILF, was arrested in New Orleans for allegedly planning a separate violent attack. This broader scope highlights the ongoing efforts by federal law enforcement to counter domestic terror threats.
Law Enforcement Response and Ongoing Investigation
Officials, including FBI Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis, emphasized the successful disruption of the plot, which they described as 'organized, sophisticated and extremely violent.' Surveillance footage played by officials showed the suspects in the desert, and search warrants executed at their homes reportedly uncovered bomb-making materials and TILF-affiliated posters.
The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation. Authorities have praised the coordinated efforts of federal and local law enforcement agencies in preventing what could have been a 'massive and horrific terror plot' in Southern California.
6 Comments
Africa
The quick action by law enforcement is commendable, yet it raises questions about how such extremist groups gain traction and recruit members. We need to address the underlying societal issues fueling this anger.
ZmeeLove
Was this really a major threat, or just some fringe LARPers? Media hype.
Mariposa
It's certainly a relief that a potential attack was prevented, but the article's heavy emphasis on 'far-left' ideology feels a bit loaded. We need to understand the specifics of this group, not just broad labels.
Muchacha
Preventing a New Year's Eve attack is undoubtedly a success for the FBI, but I wonder if the focus on 'terror plot' overshadows the fact that no functional device was fully assembled. It's a fine line between a plan and an imminent threat.
Noir Black
They always find a 'far-left' group when they need a new boogeyman. Convenient.
Eugene Alta
Domestic terror is a real threat. Glad they caught these extremists.