FBI Thwarts New Year's Eve Bombing Plot in Southern California

Bombing Plot Disrupted

• FBI agents successfully stopped a New Year's Eve bombing plot targeting at least five locations in Southern California.
• The planned attacks were set to occur at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve.

Suspects and Group Affiliation

• Four suspects, aged 24 to 41, were arrested near 29 Palms in San Bernardino County.
• The group operated under nicknames such as Nomad, Kickwear, and AK, with 30-year-old Audrey Carroll identified as the leader.
• They are associated with the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF), described as a pro-Palestine, anti-government group promoting violence.

Attack Details and Motivation

• Authorities found suspects making homemade bombs in the Mojave Desert, intended to be placed in backpacks.
• The targets included Amazon logistical centers and potentially ICE agents, reflecting a desire to attack US companies and government entities.
• Posters found at the leader's home displayed the message "death to America."

Operation Details

• The operation, codenamed Operation Midnight Sun, involved arrests made on a Friday as suspects planned and rehearsed their attack.
• The suspects face federal charges including conspiracy and possession of an unregistered destructive device, with a maximum sentence of 15 years.
• Authorities believe the threat has been neutralized.