LOS ANGELES — Federal law enforcement officials say they have successfully prevented a sophisticated bombing plot planned for New Year’s Eve in Southern California, arresting four people early this month before they could carry out the attacks. The suspects, believed to be linked to an anti-government extremist group, now face serious federal charges.
Coordinated Bomb Plot Disrupted Before Holiday Attacks
On Friday, FBI agents along with local partners took four individuals into custody in a remote area east of Los Angeles after uncovering a conspiracy to plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) across several locations on New Year’s Eve. Officials said the plot targeted multiple U.S. companies and was described in detailed planning materials recovered during the investigation.
Authorities identified the suspects as Audrey Illeene Carroll (30), Zachary Aaron Page (32), Dante Gaffield (24), and Tina Lai (41). They were charged with conspiracy and possession of unregistered destructive devices, offenses that carry significant prison time under federal law.
Plot Details: ‘Operation Midnight Sun’
According to court documents, one of the suspects drafted an eight-page plan dubbed “Operation Midnight Sun”, which outlined how backpacks filled with pipe bombs would be placed at five sites in the greater Los Angeles area at midnight. Federal investigators also found evidence that the group practiced bomb construction and testing in the Mojave Desert days before their arrests.
Agents say the group used encrypted messaging channels to coordinate and avoid detection. Materials found at the campsite included chemical precursors and bomb components, but authorities intervened before any functioning device could be assembled.
Alleged Ideology and Broader Threat Concerns
Prosecutors described the group as part of a broader extremist movement with anti-capitalist and anti-government views, intent on violent action against corporate targets and federal law enforcement personnel. Flyers referencing political causes were also discovered near where the suspects were preparing the devices.
A fifth individual, allegedly linked to a separate planned attack, was arrested in New Orleans, suggesting multiple possible plots tied to the same network. Federal officials emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation in detecting and stopping domestic terrorist threats.
