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Federal agents stated on Monday that they had successfully thwarted a comprehensive plot to detonate IEDs at several facilities run by two American companies on New Year's Eve in the southern part of the state. The move came after the apprehension of individuals associated with an militant group advocating for anti-capitalist and anti-authority ideologies.

Suspects Apprehended During Isolated Rehearsal

The four individuals were taken into custody last Friday in the desert region found east of Los Angeles while they were according to officials rehearsing their planned attack. Officials presented from above monitoring images to journalists, that depicted the group transporting a sizeable obscure item to a workspace. Officials emphasized that the arrests occurred before the individuals could construct a fully functional explosive device.

Names of the Accused Disclosed

According to the public criminal complaint, the four suspects identified are Carroll, aged 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41. All four are reportedly from the Los Angeles region.

Reported Motivation and Connections

Even though authorities did not directly outline a motive, they stated the suspects are part of a offshoot called the Turtle Island Liberation Front. The group reportedly advocates for "the working class to rise up and combat against capitalism," based on the court papers.

Each suspect is charged with include conspiracy to commit a crime and owning a destructive device. Prosecutors noted that additional charges are expected in the weeks ahead.

Elements of the Supposed "The Midnight Sun Plan"

Prosecutors said that one of the suspects had drafted a detailed scheme last month to target multiple corporate facilities across Southern California on New Year's Eve. The locations were likened to "like Amazon" logistical centers.

"The plan was specific," the attorney said. "It included detailed directions to build IEDs … and listed several sites across Orange County and Los Angeles."

Based on the case and the complaint, the plan entailed placing bags containing sophisticated IEDs that were set to be detonated simultaneously at midnight on New Year's Eve at 5 sites. New Year's Eve was chosen as an perfect time because the document indicated "pyrotechnics will be going off at this time so blast noises will be more difficult to be heard."

An eight-page manually written plan, named "OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN," suggested that further locations could be added. The facilities were categorized as assets and facilities operated by two separate corporations connected with activities affecting national and international trade.

Additional Plans and Proof Seized

The investigation also stated that two members in the faction had planned subsequent operations focusing on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel and cars with pipe bombs in 2026. One suspect allegedly commented that such strikes "would eliminate some and intimidate the rest of them."

The plotting were allegedly discussed both at an physical assembly in Los Angeles and through an secure communication application.

Pictures included in the court documents depict a desert campsite with what authorities described as IED-construction components scattered on portable tables.

The filing details that the group "carried bomb-making components to the campsite, including various sizes of PVC pipes, identified as an oxidizer, charcoal, powdered charcoal, powdered sulfur, and items to be used as fuses, and more."

The scheme also had steps on how to build the explosives and how to not leave behind evidence that could be connected back to the individuals. The individuals had in the recent past purchased components and other items, including buys from major websites.

Operation and Subsequent Actions

Authorities moved in last week when the suspects were rehearsing the attack in the desert near Twentynine Palms. "They owned all the components they required to make an operational bomb at that place," an official stated.

During served searches, investigators allegedly discovered posters for the Turtle Island Liberation Front at one individual's dwelling that advocated "America Must Fall", and "Death to ICE". At another individual's home, police found a copy of the detailed attack blueprint.

Those arrested were taken into custody without incident. They were due to appear in court in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon.