Federal authorities have successfully disrupted a potential New Year’s Eve terror plot in Los Angeles, arresting four individuals suspected of planning coordinated bombings across Southern California. The arrests were made by the FBI and local law enforcement, who stated that the suspects are allegedly linked to the Turtle Island Liberation Front, an offshoot of a pro-Palestinian anti-government group. Officials confirmed the disruption of the plot on Monday, though investigations into potential accomplices are continuing.
The four suspects, identified as Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41, face federal charges including conspiracy and possession of unregistered destructive devices. According to a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the group was apprehended last week while traveling to the desert east of Los Angeles to test improvised explosive devices.
During a media conference on Monday, officials detailed that the group had traveled to the desert on December 12th with “precursor chemicals” to construct bombs. Surveillance footage captured their movements, leading to the swift apprehension of the quartet by the FBI’s SWAT team without incident. The alleged plot involved planting explosive devices at two U.S. companies described as logistics centers in the Los Angeles area, timed to detonate at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Beyond the New Year’s Eve bombings, the group also allegedly discussed using pipe bombs to attack Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and vehicles in January or February. One of the suspects, Carroll, is quoted in the complaint as saying, “That would take some of them out and scare the rest of them.” This statement highlights the alleged intent to cause harm and instill fear.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi lauded the efforts on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday, stating that the agencies had prevented “far-left” extremists from executing “a massive and horrific terror plot.” The successful intervention underscores the collaborative efforts between federal and local law enforcement agencies in safeguarding the public.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized the significance of the disruption, calling it a “powerful testament to the strength of our unified response.” He added that the inter-agency cooperation “prevented a potential tragedy and reaffirmed our shared commitment to safeguarding our communities.” The investigation remains active as authorities work to ensure no other threats remain.
