Southern California narrowly escaped a catastrophic New Year’s Eve terror plot, thanks to the swift and decisive action of federal authorities. A coordinated California bombing spree, intended to mar the celebratory night, was reportedly thwarted, preventing what officials describe as a “massive and horrific” attack.
Four alleged members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front, identified as an offshoot of a pro-Palestinian anti-government extremist group, have been apprehended. The FBI arrest of Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41, came last week as they journeyed to a desert location east of Los Angeles. Their mission: to test improvised explosive devices, a critical step in their sinister scheme.
According to the complaint filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California, the group planned to unleash explosive devices at two US logistics centers in the Los Angeles area precisely at midnight on New Year’s Eve. This audacious New Year attack aimed to sow chaos and fear. Disturbingly, discussions within the group also allegedly included targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and vehicles with pipe bombs in early 2024. Carroll was quoted saying, “That would take some of them out and scare the rest of them,” underscoring the malicious intent behind their plans.
The meticulous LA investigation by federal agencies proved crucial. On December 12, surveillance planes reportedly captured footage of the group’s movements as they traveled to the desert with “precursor chemicals,” allegedly intended for bomb construction. The collaborative efforts of the FBI SWAT team and other law enforcement partners culminated in the quartet’s arrest without incident, effectively “disrupting the plot” before it could materialize into a tragedy.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi took to social media, commending the agencies for preventing “far-left” extremists from executing their devastating plan. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell echoed this sentiment, stating, “The successful disruption of this plot is a powerful testament to the strength of our unified response.” He emphasized how the diligent work of allied agencies “prevented a potential tragedy and reaffirmed our shared commitment to safeguarding our communities.” While the immediate danger has been averted, the LA investigation continues to identify any other potential suspects, ensuring that the safety of Southern California remains paramount. This decisive action underscores the relentless vigilance required to protect our communities from those who seek to inflict terror.
