Federal agents stated on Monday that they had successfully thwarted a comprehensive plot to set off explosive devices at several locations belonging to two corporate businesses on New Year's Eve in the southern part of the state. The operation came after the arrest of people associated with an radical faction espousing anti-capitalist and anti-authority beliefs.
Suspects Taken Into Custody During Isolated Practice
Four suspects were arrested last Friday in the desert region found east of Los Angeles at the time they were according to officials practicing their intended strike. Federal attorneys presented from above surveillance video to the media, which depicted the group carrying a large dark device to a surface. Authorities emphasized that the arrests occurred before the individuals could assemble a fully functional IED.
Identities of the Suspects Released
According to the submitted criminal complaint, the four individuals identified are Carroll, aged 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32 years old; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Lai, 41. Each of them are said to be from the greater Los Angeles area.
Suspected Driving Force and Ties
While prosecutors did not clearly outline a motive, they indicated the suspects are adherents of a faction called the Turtle Island Liberation Front. The group according to documents calls for "the working class to revolt and fight back against the capitalist system," according to the court papers.
Each suspect is charged with comprise conspiracy and possession of a destructive device. The government stated that further accusations are expected in the weeks ahead.
Elements of the Supposed "Midnight Sun Operation"
Officials stated that one of the suspects had devised a meticulous scheme last month to target multiple commercial sites across Southern California on New Year's Eve. The targets were characterized as "like Amazon" distribution centers.
"The bomb plot was explicit," the attorney stated. "It laid out step-by-step instructions to construct explosive devices … and identified several sites across Orange county and Los Angeles."
As per the probe and court documents, the plan entailed placing bags packed with intricate explosive devices that were planned to be detonated simultaneously at midnight on New Year's Eve at 5 places. New Year's Eve was identified as an opportune time as the document stated "celebratory explosions will be going off at this time so explosions will be more difficult to be detected."
The handwritten, eight-page handwritten document, named "OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN," suggested that more targets could be included. The locations were identified as assets and buildings run by two separate firms tied to business related to interstate and foreign commerce.
Long-term Plans and Proof Seized
The criminal complaint also stated that two people in the faction had discussed subsequent strikes aimed at ICE agents personnel and cars with pipe bombs in 2026. One suspect reportedly noted that such strikes "would eliminate some and frighten the rest of them."
The plotting were allegedly talked over both at an physical meeting in Los Angeles and through an secure messaging app.
Images included in the court documents depict a desert campsite with what officials described as bomb-making materials strewn across portable tables.
The complaint details that the suspects "carried IED parts to the campsite, such as various sizes of plastic pipes, believed to be potassium nitrate, charcoal, fuel powder, sulfur powder, and components to be used as fuses, and more."
The plan also contained steps on how to manufacture the explosives and how to prevent leaving forensic clues that could be connected back to the group. The suspects had in the recent past purchased precursor chemicals and other materials, including buys from online retailers.
Operation and Follow-up
Federal agents took action last week as the group were practicing the strike in the remote area near a desert community. "They owned every item they were necessary to build an functional explosive device at that location," the attorney said.
During carried out search warrants, officials reportedly discovered posters for the Turtle Island Liberation Front at one individual's home that demanded "Down with America", and "ICE Must Go". At another accused's apartment, police discovered a version of the detailed attack blueprint.
The individuals were detained without a struggle. They were due to appear in court in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon.
