Federal authorities have arrested four people from the Los Angeles area. They’re connected to an unproven plan to synchronize bombings on New Year’s eve. Those suspects have been named by authorities as Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30, Zachary Aaron Page, 32, Dante Gaffield, 24, and Tina Lai, 41. They are said to be connected to a radical left offshoot from the pro-Palestinian group known as the Turtle Island Liberation Front.
The story unfolds in a profusely illustrated, eight-page handwritten script titled OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN. It sets the plan, very loosely, for detonating backpacks filled with complex burlap-pipebombs at midnight on 12/31. Authorities say those explosives were meant to damage or destroy properties and facilities owned by two offshore drilling companies. These entities are firmly related to interstate and foreign commerce. The suspects even held an in-person meeting in Los Angeles to finalize their scheme. They passed additional information via an encrypted messaging app.
As detailed in the investigation, the scheme was meticulously crafted to sow disorder while avoiding detection. “Fireworks will be going off at this time so explosions will be less likely to be noticed,” said a source familiar with the case. The document uncovered in Page’s home suggested that additional locations would be included beyond the original five planned sites.
The Turtle Island Liberation Front’s ideology emphasizes a radical approach, calling for “the working class to rise up and fight back against capitalism.” Carroll reportedly stated during discussions that the attacks would “take some of them out and scare the rest of them.”
Detectives found detailed instructions for making working bombs at Page’s home. “They had everything they needed to make an operational bomb at that location,” said Detective Essayli.
The quick response from law enforcement is being commended by state and local officials. “The successful disruption of this plot is a powerful testament to the strength of our unified response,” stated Sheriff McDonnell.
Law enforcement has designated the Turtle Island Liberation Front as an organization that encourages violent anti-American radicalization. They go so far as to adopt slogans such as “Death to America.” According to intel leaked by local and federal law enforcement agencies, their activities have crossed the line into domestic terrorism.
Local, state and federal authorities are investigating the case. The four suspects are facing very serious charges that could land them all in prison for decades, if convicted. They are all still being held at Rikers without bail, as the legal process continues to play out.