Federal investigators in the United States have announced the successful disruption of a coordinated bombing campaign planned for New Year's Eve in the Los Angeles region. Authorities arrested four alleged members of an extremist group, preventing what they described as a potentially horrific attack.
Who Are The Turtle Island Liberation Front?
According to the FBI and US law enforcement, the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF) is a radical offshoot of a broader pro-Palestinian, anti-government movement. Officials characterize the group as far-left, anti-capitalist, and hostile to law enforcement. Their rhetoric often frames violent action as a legitimate form of political resistance.
In a stark statement, Attorney General Pam Bondi credited federal agencies with preventing a major disaster. She confirmed the group was preparing to conduct a series of bombings starting on December 31st, with additional plans to target Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and vehicles in early 2025.
Details of the Alleged Terror Plot
The suspects allegedly planned synchronized bombings at at least five locations across Southern California, timed for midnight on New Year's Eve. Court documents reveal that two of the intended targets were logistics centres for US companies in the Los Angeles area.
On December 12, the group travelled to a desert area east of Los Angeles carrying precursor chemicals to construct improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Their movements were monitored by surveillance aircraft before FBI agents and the Los Angeles FBI SWAT team moved in to make arrests without incident.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
The four individuals named in the federal complaint are:
- Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30
- Zachary Aaron Page, 32
- Dante Gaffield, 24
- Tina Lai, 41
They face charges including conspiracy and possession of an unregistered destructive device. FBI Director Kash Patel later confirmed that a fifth individual was arrested in New Orleans, believed to be linked to the same extremist network and allegedly planning a separate violent attack.
While the immediate threat is considered neutralized, the FBI stressed that inquiries are ongoing to determine if additional suspects or associated cells exist. A press conference by FBI Los Angeles is expected to provide further updates.
How Authorities Stopped the Attack
Law enforcement officials highlighted that the operation's success relied on sustained surveillance and seamless coordination between federal and local agencies. Aerial monitoring was crucial in tracking the suspects in the desert, allowing agents to intervene before any explosives could be tested or deployed.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell praised the joint response, calling it a powerful testament to the strength of unified law enforcement. He stated that the work of allied agencies prevented a potential tragedy and reaffirmed their commitment to community safety.
