Four Individuals Charged in Los Angeles New Year’s Eve Bombing Plot

FBI Thwarts Alleged New Year’s Eve Bombing Plot in Southern California

LOS ANGELES – The FBI announced that it has arrested four individuals linked to an alleged bombing plot targeting businesses in Southern California during New Year’s Eve celebrations. A federal grand jury has issued a six-count indictment against the suspects for their roles in the conspiracy.

The accused members of the anti-government group known as the Turtle Island Liberation Front were identified as Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Dante James Anthony-Gaffield, 24; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; and Tina Lai, 41. They are currently in custody without bond, facing significant federal terrorism charges that could result in decades to life in prison. Their arraignments are scheduled throughout January in Los Angeles.

Court documents reveal that the group allegedly carried out tests for explosives in the Mojave Desert and planned to target various technology companies and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. "The charges a federal grand jury returned today reflect the seriousness of the conduct: a planned terrorist attack on American soil on New Year’s Eve," stated First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. He added, "If convicted, this group of self-professed left-wing radicals will face decades in federal prison."

The indictment cites specific communications among the defendants, including a message from Page on November 29 stating, “death to Israel, death to the USA, death to colonizers.” Carroll is reported to have replied, “Death to them all, burn it all down.” These messages were allegedly part of their planning for attacks against ICE agents.

Federal authorities claim the group operated through a faction named the "Order of the Black Lotus," utilizing encrypted messaging for their communications. A handwritten document titled "Operation Midnight Sun" contained detailed plans to assault technology companies across Southern California.

The timeline of the plot outlines critical events:

• In November, Carroll allegedly drafted the "Operation Midnight Sun" bombing plot and enlisted the other three defendants.
• By early December, the group reportedly obtained bomb-making materials, including potassium nitrate and sulfur.
• They were arrested by the FBI in mid-December while attempting to build and test explosives in the Mojave Desert.

The suspects remain in federal custody as scheduled arraignments approach. Carroll and Page face the possibility of life imprisonment if convicted, while Anthony-Gaffield and Lai could receive a maximum sentence of 25 years.

The implications of this indictment underline the continued efforts of federal law enforcement to address domestic terrorism threats, emphasizing the seriousness with which such plots are treated in the United States.