Plot to Bomb Southern California Targets Foiled by Authorities

Wed Dec 17 2025 11:58:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Four members of an extremist group were arrested in the Mojave Desert while planning New Year’s Eve bomb attacks targeting multiple sites, including major companies.

Federal authorities have thwarted a planned bombing attack in Southern California aimed at several business locations associated with major companies. The suspects, identified as members of an anti-capitalist and anti-government extremist group, were arrested in the Mojave Desert just before they could assemble the explosive devices. The detailed plan, which was called 'OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN', included precise instructions and specified targets as part of a call to disrupt operations of companies linked to capitalism. All four suspects are scheduled to appear in court soon.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Federal authorities reported on Monday that they have successfully thwarted a plot to bomb several sites belonging to major companies in Southern California on New Year's Eve. This revelation follows the arrest of four suspects linked to an extremist anti-capitalist group.

The arrests occurred last Friday in the Mojave Desert, east of Los Angeles, where the suspects were reportedly rehearsing their plans. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli shared details at a press conference, including aerial footage showcasing the suspects handling suspicious objects in a desert setting.

The suspects, identified as Audrey Illeene Carroll (30), Zachary Aaron Page (32), Dante Gaffield (24), and Tina Lai (41), all hail from the Los Angeles area. They are alleged members of a faction of the Turtle Island Liberation Front, which promotes themes of decolonization and anti-capitalism.

While officials did not disclose a specific motive, the criminal complaint indicated each suspect is facing charges that include conspiracy and preparing destructive devices, with further charges anticipated. Notably, the group had planned to utilize improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at multiple targets, marked as 'Amazon-type' logistics facilities.

Essayli noted that the plot was extensive, featuring detailed step-by-step instructions for creating explosives and targeting various locations across Southern California.

According to the complaint, two of the suspects had also entertained plans for future actions against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents with similar methods in the year ahead.

The FBI seized evidence from the suspects' campsite, including bomb-making materials, and posters promoting the Turtle Island Liberation Front, which outlined violent rhetoric against the U.S. and immigration enforcement. As per the investigation, law enforcement emphasized the importance of a unified response to ensure public safety, safeguarding the community from such violent threats. The suspects were apprehended without incident and are expected to appear in court shortly.