US authorities stated on Monday that they had successfully thwarted a comprehensive scheme to detonate explosive devices at multiple sites operated by two corporate firms on New Year's Eve in Southern California. This action resulted from the detainment of suspects linked to an militant faction promoting anti-system and anti-establishment views.
Those Arrested Detained During Desert Rehearsal
Four individuals were taken into custody last Friday in the desert region situated east of Los Angeles while they were reportedly practicing their planned operation. Prosecutors showed from above reconnaissance footage to the media, that depicted the group carrying a large obscure device to a surface. Officials emphasized that the detainments occurred prior to the group could assemble a fully functional bomb.
Identities of the Those Charged Released
Based on the public court documents, the four suspects listed are Carroll, aged 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; 24-year-old Dante Gaffield; and Tina Lai, 41. The group are said to be from the greater Los Angeles vicinity.
Reported Motive and Ties
Even though prosecutors did not clearly detail a rationale, they stated the group are adherents of a splinter group called the Turtle Island Liberation Front. This organization allegedly advocates for "laborers to rise up and combat against the capitalist system," as per the criminal complaint.
Each suspect is charged with include conspiracy and having a destructive device. Officials indicated that further counts are expected in the coming weeks.
Details of the Alleged "The Midnight Sun Plan"
Officials said that one of the individuals had devised a detailed plan last month to target at least five corporate facilities across Southern California on New Year's Eve. The targets were likened to "similar to Amazon" logistical hubs.
"The bomb plot was specific," the attorney remarked. "It contained detailed directions to make bombs … and identified numerous sites across Orange County and Los Angeles."
As per the case and the complaint, the plan involved planting rucksacks containing sophisticated pipe bombs that were scheduled to be set off at the same time at midnight on New Year's Eve at several sites. New Year's Eve was identified as an perfect time as the scheme noted "pyrotechnics will be going off at this time so blast noises will be more difficult to be noticed."
The handwritten, eight-page longhand plan, named "OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN," stated that additional locations could be incorporated. The facilities were categorized as premises and buildings owned by two separate firms connected with business affecting commerce.
Future Schemes and Materials Uncovered
Court documents also indicated that two people in the group had planned subsequent strikes targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and transport with IEDs in 2026. One individual reportedly noted that such attacks "would eliminate some and frighten the rest of them."
Such discussions were allegedly planned both at an face-to-face assembly in Los Angeles and through an encrypted messaging app.
Pictures included in the court documents show a remote camp with what officials said were bomb-making items strewn across portable tables.
The filing notes that the suspects "carried bomb-making components to the campsite, among them different sizes of plastic pipes, believed to be a chemical compound, fuel, charcoal powder, powdered sulfur, and items to be used as detonators, among others."
The plan also had steps on how to build the explosives and how to not leave behind traces that could be connected back to the group. The accused had recently acquired chemical ingredients and other items, with acquisitions from online retailers.
Operation and Aftermath
Federal agents intervened last week when the group were rehearsing the attack in the desert near Twentynine Palms. "They had everything they needed to construct an functional explosive device at that place," the attorney stated.
As part of served raids, investigators reportedly located flyers for the Turtle Island Liberation Front at one accused's dwelling that called for "Down with America", and "ICE Must Go". At another suspect's apartment, police discovered a copy of the comprehensive bomb plan.
The suspects were taken into custody without incident. They were set to appear in court in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon.
