Four people suspected of plotting bombing attacks in Los Angeles and Orange counties on New Year’s eve were charged by a federal grand jury, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday.
The suspects — Audrey Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41 — are all in federal custody without bond.
The four people, part of an anti-capitalist and anti-government group called the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF), were arrested on Dec. 12 in the Mojave Desert when they were unloading materials to construct and test explosives for their planned attacks.
It all began in November when Carroll came up with a eight-page, handwritten document, detailing the bombing plot against U.S. businesses or “Amazon-type” logistical centers,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. She then used an encrypted messaging app to send a message to the other suspects, proclaiming “death” to Israel, the U.S. and “colonizers,” according to the complaint.
The suspects continued to gather materials, such as potassium nitrate, sulfur, charcoal and pipes, to make bombs and text them in the Mojave Desert, the DOJ said.
Prosecutors said the plot included planting backpacks filled with explosive devices at multiple businesses that were set to blow up simultaneously at midnight on Dec. 31.
The group also allegedly planned to target U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and vehicles with pipe bombs in January or February, Essayli said.
Each suspect has been charged with one count of providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists, and one count of possession of unregistered firearms. Carroll and Page also are charged with one count of conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, according to Essayli.
If convicted as charged, Carroll and Page would face up to life in federal prison, and Gaffield and Lai could face up to 25 years in federal prison.
Lai’s arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 2, with Carroll and Page expected to be arraigned three days later. Gaffield’s arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 20 in downtown Los Angeles.