> At a Glance
> – Two defendants deny federal charges tied to a New Year’s Eve bombing plot across Southern California
> – Prosecutors say the group intended to detonate explosives at multiple locations on Dec. 31
> – Four people have been charged; arrests were made Dec. 12 in the Mojave Desert
> – Why it matters: The case highlights a disrupted terror plan that targeted public spaces during a major holiday celebration
A federal grand jury has indicted four people after agents intercepted what prosecutors call a coordinated plan to bomb Southern California landmarks on New Year’s Eve.
Court Proceedings
Audrey Carroll, 30, of South Los Angeles, and Zachary Aaron Page, 32, of Torrance, entered not-guilty pleas Monday to three-count indictments that include conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction and providing material support to terrorists. If convicted, each faces up to life in prison.
Tina Lai, 41, of Glendale, previously denied similar but narrower charges. A fourth suspect, Dante Gaffield, 24, of South Los Angeles, is scheduled for arraignment on Jan. 20.
| Defendant | Age | Residence | Next Court Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audrey Carroll | 30 | South Los Angeles | Feb. 17 trial |
| Zachary Page | 32 | Torrance | Feb. 17 trial |
| Tina Lai | 41 | Glendale | Feb. 17 trial |
| Dante Gaffield | 24 | South Los Angeles | Jan. 20 |
Investigation Timeline
Investigators say the group, calling itself the Turtle Island Liberation Front, planned synchronized blasts for Dec. 31. Agents arrested the suspects on Dec. 12 in the Mojave Desert as they allegedly unloaded bomb-making materials and prepared to test explosives.
Key evidence cited by prosecutors includes:
- An eight-page handwritten bombing blueprint drafted by Carroll in November
- Firearms that were not registered to the defendants
- Materials intended for improvised explosive devices
Key Takeaways
- Federal agents foiled the attack before explosive devices were fully assembled
- All four suspects remain in custody while awaiting trial
- The tentative trial date is Feb. 17
- Prosecutors say the plot targeted unspecified businesses across the region
The arrests prevented what officials describe as a potentially catastrophic attack during one of the year’s busiest public celebrations in Southern California.
