Los Angeles, December 16, 2025
Federal authorities have disrupted a planned bombing campaign targeting multiple sites in Southern California on New Year’s Eve. Four suspects connected to the Turtle Island Liberation Front were arrested as they prepared to execute coordinated attacks using improvised explosive devices. This incident highlights the persistent threats posed by extremist ideologies and the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and stability within the community.
Los Angeles, California
Federal authorities have disrupted a planned bombing campaign targeting multiple sites in Southern California on New Year’s Eve, arresting four individuals associated with an anti-government group.
Introduction
In a shocking revelation, federal authorities have thwarted a planned bombing campaign in Southern California intended for New Year’s Eve. As a city that thrives on innovation and resilience, Los Angeles must face the reality of extremist ideologies that threaten public safety. The swift action taken by law enforcement not only underscores the importance of community vigilance but also highlights how supportive regulatory environments can facilitate closer collaboration between agencies to ensure safety and stability for local businesses and residents alike.
This incident calls attention to the need for continued engagement and dialogue within our community, prioritizing safety while fostering an environment conducive to growth and entrepreneurship. By upholding law and order, we create a foundation on which small businesses can flourish and contribute to the local economy, enhancing the tapestry of entrepreneurial spirit in Los Angeles.
Details of the Arrests
On December 12, 2025, federal agents detained four suspects in the Mojave Desert, east of Los Angeles, as they allegedly prepared to test improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for a series of coordinated attacks. The suspects—Audrey Illeene Carroll, Zachary Aaron Page, Dante Gaffield, and Tina Lai—are connected to the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF), a far-left, anti-capitalist organization. They planned to detonate multiple bombs simultaneously across five locations, including facilities operated by U.S. companies and targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Each suspect now faces charges of conspiracy and possession of a destructive device, with more legal repercussions expected as the investigation develops.
Details of the Plot
The group’s detailed plan, outlined in an eight-page document titled “Operation Midnight Sun,” involved constructing complex pipe bombs. Strategically, the attacks were scheduled to coincide with New Year’s Eve fireworks, intended to minimize detection and maximize chaos. In addition to these immediate plans, investigators discovered discussions of further attacks aimed at ICE personnel.
Background on the Turtle Island Liberation Front
The Turtle Island Liberation Front identifies itself with anti-government and anti-capitalist sentiments and promotes decolonization and tribal sovereignty, drawing on the term “Turtle Island,” which some Indigenous peoples use to refer to North America. This organization has utilized social media as a platform to propagate its views, including inciting violence against U.S. officials and entities, raising concerns about domestic extremism amidst a backdrop of growing political polarization.
Law Enforcement Response
Credit is due to the coordinated efforts between federal and local law enforcement agencies that preemptively disrupted this potential act of terrorism. The FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Offices worked together to safeguard the public, highlighting the effectiveness of collaborative strategies in maintaining security. The suspects’ arrest before creating functional explosive devices serves as a preventive measure to secure community safety.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats to public safety that exist within our communities. However, it also emphasizes the value of maintaining strong, proactive law enforcement efforts that foster safety. By prioritizing public vigilance and supporting local law enforcement initiatives, residents can protect the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Los Angeles forward. Now, more than ever, it’s imperative to support local businesses while remaining engaged in the larger discussions surrounding community safety and economic growth. We encourage all Angelenos to stay informed and report any suspicious activities to local law enforcement.
FAQ
What was the planned attack in Southern California?
The Turtle Island Liberation Front planned to detonate multiple bombs simultaneously at five locations across Southern California on New Year’s Eve, targeting facilities operated by two U.S. companies and ICE agents and their vehicles.
Who are the suspects arrested in connection with the plot?
The suspects are Audrey Illeene Carroll, Zachary Aaron Page, Dante Gaffield, and Tina Lai, all from the Los Angeles area. They face charges of conspiracy and possession of a destructive device.
What is the Turtle Island Liberation Front?
The Turtle Island Liberation Front is a pro-Palestinian, anti-government, and anti-capitalist group advocating for decolonization and tribal sovereignty. The group has previously promoted anti-capitalist and anti-government sentiments through social media, including advocating violence against U.S. officials.
How did authorities prevent the attack?
Authorities credited the coordinated efforts of federal and local agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, for preventing the attack. The suspects were arrested before assembling functional explosive devices.
What charges are the suspects facing?
The suspects face charges of conspiracy and possession of a destructive device, with additional charges anticipated as the investigation progresses.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Planned Attack | Coordinated bombings at five locations in Southern California on New Year’s Eve, targeting facilities operated by two U.S. companies and ICE agents and their vehicles. |
| Suspects Arrested | Audrey Illeene Carroll, Zachary Aaron Page, Dante Gaffield, and Tina Lai, all from the Los Angeles area. |
| Group Involved | Turtle Island Liberation Front, a pro-Palestinian, anti-government, and anti-capitalist group advocating for decolonization and tribal sovereignty. |
| Law Enforcement Response | Coordinated efforts by federal and local agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, led to the prevention of the attack. |
| Charges Faced | Conspiracy and possession of a destructive device, with additional charges anticipated as the investigation progresses. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
