Four Indicted in Foiled New Year’s Eve Bombing Plot Targeting Southern California Businesses
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Four individuals were federally indicted on charges related to a foiled New Year’s Eve bombing plot aimed at multiple businesses across Southern California, according to court documents filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The planned attacks, set for December 31, 2025, were disrupted by the FBI following a months-long investigation.
The defendants, identified as Audrey Illeene Carroll, Zachary Aaron Page, Dante James Anthony-Gaffield, and Tina Lai, are alleged members of the anti-government extremist group Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF). Prosecutors say the group glorified terrorism and sought to inflict “as much damage as possible” through a coordinated series of bombings dubbed “Operation Midnight Sun.”
Authorities revealed that the plot involved detonating pipe bombs at no fewer than five locations, including technology and logistics companies throughout the region. The defendants reportedly began procuring bomb-making materials and coordinating via encrypted messaging platforms in early December 2025. During these communications, Carroll allegedly made chilling statements such as “I identify as a terrorist” and “I am a Hamas fangirl,” expressing desires to “completely pulverize” buildings and ambush law enforcement.
The planned attacks also extended beyond the holiday, with indications that the group intended to target agents from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency following New Year’s Eve. The defendants face multiple charges, including conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, providing material support to terrorists, and possession of unregistered firearms.
The plot was uncovered and disrupted on December 12, 2025, when the suspects traveled to the Mojave Desert to conduct live weapons testing. FBI agents from the Hostage Rescue Team intercepted the group before any devices could be deployed. Law enforcement officials credited intelligence gathering and surveillance efforts for preventing what could have been a devastating attack.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell held a joint press conference detailing the investigation’s progress and praised the collaborative work between federal, state, and local agencies. The FBI continues to investigate potential connections between the suspects and broader extremist networks, including monitoring over 350 subjects linked to violent online communities.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about domestic terrorism and the threat posed by radicalized groups intent on violent acts. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has reiterated its commitment to identifying and disrupting such plots before harm occurs.
Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or through the Department of Homeland Security tip line. The defendants are currently in custody and awaiting trial, where they face significant federal penalties if convicted.
As the nation approaches the New Year, security officials emphasize the importance of continued vigilance against threats targeting public safety and critical infrastructure.
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