Big news from the US today. Authorities just stopped a scary plan for bomb attacks in California on New Year’s Eve. Five people are in custody, and officials say they prevented a major disaster. Let’s break it down simply.
What Happened?
Federal agents arrested four people in California and one in New Orleans. The group is linked to something called the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF). Officials describe it as a far-left group that’s pro-Palestinian, anti-government, and anti-capitalist.
The plan, called “Operation Midnight Sun”, was to set off homemade bombs at the same time on December 31. They wanted to hide the explosives in backpacks and hit at least five spots in Los Angeles and Orange counties. The targets? Two big US companies – details not shared yet.
The bombs were meant to be complex pipe bombs or other improvised devices. The group even talked about attacking ICE agents later with more bombs.
How Did They Get Caught?
It all went down last week. On December 12, the four suspects in California went to the Mojave Desert to test their bombs. They brought materials and set up a tent to work in the shade.
FBI agents were watching. They moved in fast and arrested them before any bomb was fully ready. No one got hurt.
The fifth person was picked up in New Orleans for planning a separate attack tied to the same group.
Who Are the Suspects?
The four arrested in California:
- Audrey Illeene Carroll (30) – Said to be a leader who wrote the detailed plan.
- Zachary Aaron Page (32)
- Dante Gaffield (24)
- Tina Lai (41)
They face charges like conspiracy and having unregistered destructive devices.
What Officials Are Saying
Attorney General Pam Bondi called it a “massive terrorist plot” that got stopped in time.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised the team for disrupting a “credible, imminent” threat.
This case ties into the Trump administration’s focus on threats from extreme groups.
The group’s social media talks about “decolonization,” supporting Palestine, and fighting capitalism and immigration policies.
What’s Next?
The investigation is still going. More charges could come. The suspects will appear in court soon.
This shows how law enforcement works hard to keep us safe, especially during big events like New Year’s.