🚨 BREAKING: FBI Disrupts Alleged New Year’s Eve Terror Plot Targeting Los Angeles Area
By USA News Today
Published: December 15, 2025
Updated: December 15, 2025
LOS ANGELES — Federal authorities say the FBI has disrupted what officials described as a “massive and horrific” terrorist bombing plot that was allegedly set to take place across Southern California on New Year’s Eve.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI, four suspects connected to a violent extremist group were arrested while allegedly assembling explosive devices intended to detonate at multiple locations in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrests Monday, crediting federal agents with preventing what could have been a mass-casualty attack.

🚓 Suspects Arrested in Coordinated FBI Operation
FBI officials identified the four suspects as:
- Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30
- Zachary Aaron Page, 32
- Dante Gaffield, 24
- Tina Lai, 41
Each suspect has been charged with conspiracy and possession of an unregistered destructive device, according to federal prosecutors. Authorities said additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
The arrests were made Friday after agents intercepted the group while they were allegedly constructing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in a remote desert area.
⏰ Explosives Allegedly Timed for New Year’s Eve
According to Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, the suspects planned to detonate multiple explosive devices simultaneously at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
“These devices were intended to cause maximum harm and fear during a major public holiday,” Davis said. “This was a credible and imminent threat.”
🎯 Multiple Locations Targeted
Federal prosecutors said the suspects allegedly planned to target at least five locations in Los Angeles and Orange counties. The locations were described as logistics centers and U.S.-based companies, though officials declined to identify them for security reasons.
Authorities said backpacks containing IEDs were intended to be planted at each site.
📄 ‘Operation Midnight Sun’ Planning Documents Revealed
Court documents allege the group referred to the plot as “Operation Midnight Sun.” Investigators say one suspect provided a confidential FBI source with handwritten notes detailing the plan.
The documents allegedly outlined:
- Team assignments for planting explosives
- Monitoring police scanners
- Coordinating simultaneous detonations
- Evading law enforcement response
Prosecutors also said the suspects used encrypted messaging apps, including a Signal chat named “Order of the Black Lotus,” to coordinate the operation.
⚠️ Anti-ICE and Anti-America Materials Found
During a search of Carroll’s residence, investigators reportedly recovered materials associated with the extremist group, including posters reading:
- “Death to ICE”
- “Death to America, Long Live Turtle Island & Palestine”
Officials said the group allegedly planned to target ICE agents and vehicles in addition to corporate locations.
🌎 Additional Arrest Made in New Orleans
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that a fifth individual, believed to be linked to the same extremist network, was arrested in New Orleans in connection with a separate alleged violent attack plot. Authorities have not released further details.
👮 Officials Praise FBI for Preventing Attack
Local and federal officials praised the FBI’s intervention, saying it likely saved lives.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell both emphasized the seriousness of the threat during Monday’s press conference.
“This investigation prevented what could have been a devastating attack during one of the busiest nights of the year,” McDonnell said.
🔍 Investigation Remains Ongoing
Federal officials stressed that the investigation is ongoing and urged the public to remain alert as the holiday season continues.
“This case highlights the evolving domestic threat environment,” Davis said. “We will continue to act aggressively to stop violent extremists before they can carry out attacks.”
All four Los Angeles–area suspects are expected to appear in federal court.
🔄 UPDATE: New Details Released by Federal Authorities
Update (Dec. 15, 2025):
Federal officials said the investigation remains active as prosecutors prepare additional charges against the suspects. Authorities confirmed that evidence recovered during the arrests includes explosive components, planning documents, and encrypted communications allegedly linked to the plot. Officials also emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public at this time, while warning that law enforcement will continue heightened monitoring through the New Year’s holiday period.