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US authorities stated on Monday that they had successfully thwarted a detailed scheme to explode IEDs at numerous sites belonging to two US-based firms on New Year's Eve in the LA region. The operation came after the apprehension of individuals part of an radical group promoting anti-capitalist and anti-government ideologies.

Those Arrested Taken Into Custody During Remote Dry Run

The four people were taken into custody last Friday in the remote area found east of Los Angeles as they were allegedly practicing their intended strike. Prosecutors showed from above reconnaissance footage to reporters, which depicted the group moving a large obscure object to a surface. Officials noted that the arrests occurred ahead of the group could put together a fully functional bomb.

Identities of the Suspects Made Public

Based on the submitted court documents, the four individuals identified are Carroll, aged 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32 years old; 24-year-old Dante Gaffield; and Tina Lai, 41. All four are reportedly from the greater Los Angeles region.

Reported Driving Force and Group Affiliations

While prosecutors did not clearly outline a rationale, they indicated the suspects are members of a offshoot dubbed the Turtle Island Liberation Front. This organization according to documents advocates for "the working class to rise up and combat against corporate power," according to the court papers.

Each suspect is charged with comprise conspiracy to commit a crime and owning a destructive device. Officials noted that further charges are likely in the weeks ahead.

Elements of the Reported "The Midnight Sun Plan"

Officials said that one of the individuals had drafted a meticulous plan last month to target multiple business locations across Southern California on New Year's Eve. The intended sites were described as "similar to Amazon" logistical centers.

"This scheme was explicit," a prosecutor said. "It included a precise guide to construct explosive devices … and listed several targets across the county of Orange and Los Angeles."

Based on the case and the complaint, the scheme called for planting backpacks filled with complex IEDs that were planned to be set off all at once at midnight on New Year's Eve at 5 places. New Year's Eve was identified as an opportune time as the document noted "pyrotechnics will be going off at this time so explosions will be less likely to be detected."

An eight-page manually written blueprint, called "OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN," stated that more sites could be added. The facilities were categorized as assets and operations owned by two distinct companies connected with activities affecting national and international trade.

Additional Plans and Proof Found

Court documents also stated that two members in the group had discussed later strikes targeting immigration enforcement agents and cars with pipe bombs in 2026. One suspect according to the complaint said that such actions "would take some of them out and scare the rest of them."

These plans were allegedly planned both at an physical assembly in Los Angeles and through an secure messaging app.

Pictures included in the court documents depict a remote camp with what officials said were explosives-manufacturing materials laid out on makeshift work surfaces.

The filing states that the individuals "each brought IED parts to the campsite, such as various sizes of tubes, suspected an oxidizer, charcoal briquettes, charcoal powder, powdered sulfur, and components to be used as detonators, along with other items."

The scheme also contained directions on how to construct the explosives and how to not leave behind traces that could be traced back to the individuals. The individuals had recently acquired precursor chemicals and other materials, via acquisitions from e-commerce sites.

Operation and Subsequent Actions

The FBI moved in last week while the group were running through the attack in the remote area near Twentynine Palms. "They possessed everything they were necessary to build an working bomb at that place," an official said.

In the course of carried out searches, authorities reportedly located flyers for the Turtle Island Liberation Front at one accused's dwelling that called for "Down with America", and "ICE Must Go". At another suspect's apartment, police located a duplicate of the comprehensive bomb plan.

The individuals were arrested without incident. They were set to make a court appearance in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon.