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FBI disrupts alleged New Year's Eve terror plot in Southern California
Federal and local authorities arrested four individuals accused of planning coordinated bomb attacks at multiple sites in the Los Angeles area, officials announced Monday.
Suspects and charges
The four accused-Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41-are alleged members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front, described as an offshoot of a pro-Palestinian, anti-government extremist group. They face federal charges, including conspiracy and possession of unregistered destructive devices, following a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Plot details and arrests
On December 12, the suspects traveled to a desert area east of Los Angeles with precursor chemicals, allegedly intending to assemble explosive devices, authorities said during a press briefing. A surveillance aircraft tracked their movements, and an FBI SWAT team, alongside other law enforcement agencies, arrested the group without incident last week.
The planned attack targeted two logistics centers in the Los Angeles area, with devices set to detonate at midnight on New Year's Eve. Court documents also reveal discussions among the suspects about targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and vehicles with pipe bombs in early 2026.
"That would take some of them out and scare the rest of them,"
Audrey Illeene Carroll, according to the criminal complaint
Official statements
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the suspects as "far-left" extremists and stated on social media that authorities had prevented "a massive and horrific terror plot."
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell praised the collaborative effort, calling the disruption "a powerful testament to the strength of our unified response." He added that the operation "prevented a potential tragedy and reaffirmed our shared commitment to safeguarding our communities."
Ongoing investigation
While the FBI believes the immediate threat has been neutralized, authorities continue to search for additional suspects linked to the plot. The investigation remains active, with officials urging the public to remain vigilant.
