US authorities stated on Monday that they had effectively disrupted a comprehensive plan to detonate bombs at several facilities belonging to two American companies on New Year's Eve in the southern part of the state. The operation resulted from the detainment of suspects associated with an radical group promoting anti-system and anti-authority views.
Those Arrested Apprehended During Desert Rehearsal
The four individuals were detained last Friday in the desert region found east of Los Angeles at the time they were reportedly rehearsing their planned operation. Prosecutors displayed overhead surveillance images to journalists, that depicted the suspects transporting a large obscure item to a workspace. Authorities noted that the apprehensions occurred before the individuals could construct a working bomb.
Names of the Suspects Made Public
According to the filed criminal complaint, the four people identified are Carroll, aged 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41. The group are reportedly from the Los Angeles region.
Alleged Motivation and Group Affiliations
While officials did not explicitly describe a rationale, they indicated the individuals are adherents of a splinter group dubbed the Turtle Island Liberation Front. The group reportedly calls for "the working class to rise up and fight back against capitalism," as per the legal filing.
Each suspect is charged with involve conspiracy and owning a bomb. The government stated that more accusations are expected in the weeks ahead.
Particulars of the Supposed "Midnight Sun Operation"
Prosecutors said that one of the individuals had drafted a meticulous scheme last month to target multiple commercial sites across Southern California on New Year's Eve. The locations were characterized as "Amazon-type" logistical hubs.
"The plan was detailed," an official remarked. "It contained a precise guide to construct explosive devices … and identified numerous sites across Orange county and Los Angeles."
Based on the investigation and legal filings, the plot called for positioning bags containing complex pipe bombs that were planned to be set off at the same time at midnight on New Year's Eve at five places. New Year's Eve was seen as an opportune time since the document stated "celebratory explosions will be going off at this time so detonations will be more difficult to be noticed."
The eight-page handwritten document, named "OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN," noted that further sites could be incorporated. The facilities were categorized as assets and operations operated by two distinct firms connected with business related to commerce.
Long-term Plans and Proof Uncovered
The criminal complaint also revealed that two people in the group had discussed subsequent operations aimed at immigration enforcement agents and transport with IEDs in 2026. One suspect allegedly said that such attacks "would take some of them out and scare the rest of them."
The plotting were reportedly discussed both at an physical assembly in Los Angeles and through an encrypted communication application.
Photos contained in the case file show a isolated site with what authorities said were explosives-manufacturing items scattered on makeshift work surfaces.
The filing states that the suspects "all brought explosive materials to the site, among them assorted sizes of tubes, believed to be an oxidizer, charcoal, fuel powder, sulfur powder, and items to be used as fuses, among others."
The scheme also had guidance on how to build the devices and how to avoid leaving forensic clues that could be traced back to the individuals. The individuals had in the recent past purchased chemical ingredients and other items, including acquisitions from e-commerce sites.
Arrest and Subsequent Actions
Authorities moved in last week while the individuals were running through the strike in the desert near Twentynine Palms. "They owned all the components they required to construct an operational IED at that place," the attorney commented.
As part of carried out raids, investigators reportedly located signs for the Turtle Island Liberation Front at one individual's residence that advocated "Death to America", and "ICE Must Go". At another accused's residence, police found a copy of the detailed attack blueprint.
The suspects were detained without a struggle. They were due to appear in court in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon.
