Post by : Rameen Ariff

Federal authorities in the United States have arrested four people accused of plotting coordinated bomb attacks across Southern California on New Year’s Eve. Officials said the arrests prevented what could have been a deadly attack targeting major business locations during the holiday celebrations.

The suspects were taken into custody on Friday in the Mojave Desert, east of Los Angeles, while they were allegedly rehearsing the planned attacks. Authorities said surveillance footage showed the group moving suspicious materials in the desert before law enforcement stepped in. Officials confirmed that the arrests were made before the suspects were able to assemble a working explosive device.

The four accused have been identified as Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30, Zachary Aaron Page, 32, Dante Gaffield, 24, and Tina Lai, 41. All four are residents of the Los Angeles area. Investigators said the group was linked to an extremist anti-capitalist and anti-government ideology.

Officials said the suspects were connected to an offshoot group that promotes decolonization, tribal sovereignty, and calls for violent resistance against capitalism. Materials found at the desert campsite included flyers with political slogans and messages linked to global protest movements.

According to investigators, Carroll allegedly created a detailed handwritten plan last month outlining attacks on at least five business locations across Southern California. The plan focused on large logistics and distribution centers similar to major online retail warehouses. Authorities said the targets were linked to companies involved in interstate and international commerce.

The plan, titled “Operation Midnight Sun,” reportedly described step-by-step instructions for building explosive devices and coordinating simultaneous detonations at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Officials said the timing was chosen deliberately, as fireworks displays could help mask the sound of explosions.

Investigators revealed that the plan involved placing backpacks filled with complex pipe bombs at multiple locations. The handwritten document also suggested that more targets could be added later. Court documents stated that the group discussed the plan both in person and through encrypted messaging platforms.

Authorities also disclosed that two members of the group had talked about possible future attacks in 2026, including targeting immigration enforcement officers and vehicles using similar explosive devices.

During searches, law enforcement found bomb-making materials at the desert campsite, including PVC pipes, suspected chemical compounds, charcoal powder, sulfur powder, and materials believed to be intended for use as fuses. Investigators said the suspects had recently purchased precursor chemicals and other supplies online.

Search warrants executed at the suspects’ homes uncovered extremist posters and copies of the bomb plan. Officials said the materials included slogans calling for violence against government institutions.

Law enforcement agencies worked together to stop the plot, with officials emphasizing that the arrests were made without incident. Authorities said the suspects had everything needed to construct operational explosives, making the threat both real and immediate.

All four suspects have been charged with conspiracy and possession of a destructive device. Officials said more charges could be added in the coming weeks as the investigation continues. The suspects were scheduled to appear in a Los Angeles court on Monday afternoon.

Authorities described the successful operation as a major step in preventing a potential mass-casualty attack during one of the busiest nights of the year. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials said they will continue monitoring extremist threats to ensure public safety.

#Global News