Four suspects tied to an anti-government group were arrested in Lucerne Valley for planning New Year’s Eve bombings across Southern California, authorities say. The arrests were announced Monday by federal authorities. The suspects are believed to have been planning the attacks for weeks. Their alleged affiliation is with an offshoot of the Turtle Island Liberation Front.
Last week, federal authorities in the Central District of California detained four alleged members of an extremist group on suspicion of coordinating a series of bombings on New Year’s Eve. The operation was carried out in the rural area of Lucerne Valley. The suspects are from the Los Angeles area, according to the complaint. The federal criminal complaint was filed Saturday.
The arrests took place in Lucerne Valley, a San Bernardino community located in the southern Mojave Desert northeast of Los Angeles. The desert location was chosen as a testing ground for improvised explosive devices. Investigators say the suspects prepared to test bombs before the planned bombings. The site was identified through surveillance and forensic analysis.
The suspects are said to belong to an offshoot of the pro-Palestinian group called the Turtle Island Liberation Front, which the complaint labels as a radical anti-government organization. The group has been linked to other extremist activities. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli described the organization as “radical anti-government” during a Monday news conference. The allegations suggest the group aimed to disrupt federal operations.
They face charges that include conspiracy and possession of a destructive device, according to the federal criminal complaint filed Saturday. The charges reflect the seriousness of the alleged plot. The suspects are expected to be arraigned soon. The case will be overseen by federal prosecutors.
The alleged plot targeted multiple locations in California, starting on New Year’s Eve, and specifically aimed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and vehicles, as noted by Attorney General Pam Bondi on social media. The plan also included attacks on two U.S. companies, according to a DOJ news release. These targets were identified in the complaint. The plot was designed to cause widespread fear and disruption.
A handwritten eight-page document titled “Operation Midnight Sun” outlines a plan to bomb five or more sites across Southern California on New Year’s Eve. The document contains detailed instructions for building improvised explosive devices. It lists specific targets across Orange County and Los Angeles. The plan demonstrates a high level of organization.
The document contains step-by-step instructions for building improvised explosive devices and lists several targets across Orange County and Los Angeles, including two U.S. companies highlighted in a DOJ news release. The instructions detail the use of backpacks loaded with bombs. The plan called for simultaneous detonations at multiple locations. The evidence suggests the suspects were preparing to execute the attacks.
Evidence photos in the court filings show a desert campsite where investigators say bomb-making materials were scattered on plastic folding tables. The photos reveal PVC pipes, charcoal, and other components. The site was used to assemble explosive devices. The evidence supports the allegations of bomb preparation.
An aerial video released by authorities, captured on December 12, appears to show the preparation site in the desert moments before officers carried out the arrests. The video shows the campsite and surrounding area. It provides visual confirmation of the suspects’ activities. The footage was used as part of the investigation.
The suspects reportedly brought components such as PVC pipes, suspected potassium nitrate, charcoal, charcoal powder, sulfur powder, fuse material, and other items to the campsite, as detailed in the complaint. These materials are typical for improvised explosive devices. The presence of these items indicates a serious intent to build bombs. The complaint lists them as evidence of the plot.
In a DOJ news release, officials emphasized that the operation involved backpacks loaded with bombs to stage simultaneous detonations at five or more locations, underscoring the planned scale of the attack. The release highlights the potential danger to public safety. It also notes the involvement of federal agents. The DOJ stated the operation was prevented.
The Department of Justice, collaborating with the FBI, intervened to thwart what could have been a massive and horrific terror plot in Orange County and Los Angeles. The joint effort involved extensive surveillance and intelligence gathering. The authorities acted before any bombs were detonated. The prevention demonstrates the effectiveness of federal coordination.
Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on social media that the arrests prevented a dangerous threat to public safety. She emphasized the importance of law enforcement vigilance. Bondi highlighted the role of federal agencies. The post was shared widely by community leaders.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli described the group as “radical anti-government” organization during a Monday news conference, highlighting the seriousness of the case. Essayli noted the suspects’ detailed planning. He mentioned the use of improvised explosive devices. The conference underscored the threat posed by the group.
The authorities say the plot was intended to commence on New Year’s Eve, with coordinated bombings across multiple Southern California targets, a plan that was effectively stopped before execution. The arrest of the four suspects halted the operation. The plan involved simultaneous attacks. The authorities remain vigilant for any related threats.
Key Takeaways
- Four suspects arrested in Lucerne Valley for a New Year’s Eve bombing plot.
- The plan involved backpacks with improvised explosives targeting companies and ICE agents.
- DOJ and FBI actions prevented a large-scale terror attack in the Central District of California.
The arrests underscore the ongoing efforts of federal law enforcement to identify and disrupt extremist threats before they can materialize, reinforcing the commitment to protect communities throughout California. The case serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to counter domestic terrorism. Law enforcement agencies continue to collaborate across jurisdictions. The public is encouraged to report suspicious activities.
