Justice Department says coordinated attack was planned
The US Justice Department has announced the arrest of four individuals in the Los Angeles area in connection with an alleged plan to carry out coordinated attacks around the city on New Year’s Eve.
The accused — Audrey Ilene Carroll, Dante Garfield, Zachary Aaron Page and Tina Lai — are alleged to have acted together as part of a group known as the Turtle Island Liberation Front, which federal authorities describe as holding anti-government views.
According to a criminal complaint filed in federal court, the group had allegedly discussed placing explosive devices at multiple locations across Los Angeles. Authorities said the plan involved coordination, secrecy and efforts to avoid detection.
Investigation and arrests
Federal investigators allege that the suspects communicated using encrypted messaging services and took steps to conceal their activities. Law enforcement officials said materials recovered during the investigation could have been used to assemble improvised devices.
The complaint states that the group had conducted preparatory activities earlier this month in a remote desert area. Following the investigation, federal agents moved in to make arrests before any harm occurred.
Statements from officials
FBI Director Kash Patel said the arrests prevented what authorities believe could have been a serious public safety threat. He described the group as an extremist offshoot motivated by anti-law-enforcement and anti-government ideology.
First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli said the case highlights the need for vigilance against violent extremism, adding that the alleged plan involved targeting commercial locations, though specific details were not disclosed.
Officials also noted that, according to the complaint, there was no indication the suspects intended to cause loss of life. However, authorities stressed that the alleged actions still posed a significant risk to public safety.
Court proceedings under way
The four defendants were expected to make their initial appearance in federal court in Los Angeles on Monday. The investigation remains ongoing, and prosecutors said further details would emerge during judicial proceedings.
Law enforcement agencies reiterated that the arrests demonstrate the importance of early detection and inter-agency coordination in preventing acts of violence.