UPDATE: A federal grand jury has indicted four alleged members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF) on serious terrorism charges, revealing a shocking plot to carry out a New Year’s Eve bombing in Los Angeles. The suspects, identified as Audrey Illeene Carroll, Zachary Aaron Page, Dante James Anthony-Gaffield, and Tina Cheng-Ting Lai, face multiple charges, including conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction.
This urgent development comes as authorities confirm that the group planned to execute a coordinated bombing on the night of December 31, 2023, strategically timed to coincide with fireworks, which would mask the explosive sounds. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated, “The charges reflect the seriousness of the conduct: a planned terrorist attack on American soil on New Year’s Eve.”
The indictment details an eight-page operational blueprint titled “Operation Midnight Sun,” allegedly written by Carroll, outlining targets that ranged from technology firms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Federal officials reported that the suspects intended to “completely pulverize” these targets.
According to the indictment, the group had identified multiple “marks” throughout Los Angeles and had even developed plans to expand their attack if more members joined them. The FBI intervened before the group could carry out their intentions, apprehending the suspects during an explosive device testing session in the Mojave Desert on December 12, 2023. At the scene, authorities found bomb-making materials, including potassium nitrate and PVC pipes.
Officials revealed that communication among the suspects occurred via an encrypted chat named “Order of the Black Lotus,” indicating a high level of premeditation. If convicted, Carroll and Page could each face life sentences, while Gaffield and Lai are subject to a maximum of 25 years in prison.
The case highlights increasing concerns surrounding domestic terrorism and the potential for violent acts tied to extremist ideologies. The TILF allegedly aims to reclaim what they refer to as “stolen land,” specifically targeting colonist settlers in North America.
Authorities continue to monitor for further connections and potential threats linked to this extremist group. As investigations unfold, the community remains on high alert, reflecting the pressing need for vigilance in the face of domestic terrorism.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
