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US authorities announced on Monday that they had effectively disrupted a comprehensive plan to set off explosive devices at multiple facilities operated by two American firms on New Year's Eve in the southern part of the state. This action came after the detainment of people associated with an extremist faction advocating for anti-system and anti-establishment beliefs.

Suspects Detained During Isolated Rehearsal

Four people were taken into custody last Friday in the desert region found east of Los Angeles as they were reportedly practicing their planned attack. Prosecutors presented aerial reconnaissance footage to reporters, that captured the suspects moving a sizeable black item to a table. Officials noted that the apprehensions occurred prior to the group could assemble a fully functional IED.

Details of the Suspects Disclosed

As per the public court documents, the four people identified are Carroll, aged 30; Page, 32; 24-year-old Dante Gaffield; and Tina Lai, who is 41. The group are reportedly from the Los Angeles area.

Reported Driving Force and Connections

While officials did not directly describe a rationale, they stated the suspects are members of a faction called the Turtle Island Liberation Front. This entity allegedly calls for "laborers to rise up and combat against corporate power," as per the legal filing.

The charges involve conspiracy to commit a crime and owning a destructive device. Prosecutors stated that additional charges are expected in the coming weeks.

Elements of the Supposed "Operation Midnight Sun"

Prosecutors said that one of the suspects had drafted a detailed blueprint last month to attack five or more business locations across Southern California on New Year's Eve. The targets were described as "similar to Amazon" logistical hubs.

"The bomb plot was detailed," the attorney said. "It contained detailed directions to make bombs … and listed several targets across the county of Orange and Los Angeles."

As per the investigation and court documents, the plan called for planting bags containing intricate pipe bombs that were set to be exploded simultaneously at midnight on New Year's Eve at five locations. New Year's Eve was chosen as an perfect time as the plan stated "fireworks will be going off at this time so detonations will be more difficult to be detected."

The eight-page longhand blueprint, titled "OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN," suggested that further locations could be incorporated. The locations were identified as premises and facilities operated by two different companies tied to activities involving commerce.

Long-term Schemes and Evidence Seized

The investigation also revealed that two members in the faction had planned future strikes aimed at immigration enforcement agents and vehicles with pipe bombs in 2026. One accused allegedly commented that such attacks "would take some of them out and scare the rest of them."

These plans were allegedly planned both at an in-person meeting in Los Angeles and through an private messaging app.

Pictures featured in the court documents depict a desert campsite with what investigators said were bomb-making items strewn across portable tables.

The filing notes that the individuals "carried explosive materials to the site, such as assorted sizes of PVC pipes, identified as an oxidizer, charcoal, powdered charcoal, another chemical, and material to be used as detonators, and more."

The scheme also included guidance on how to manufacture the bombs and how to not leave behind forensic clues that could be linked back to the group. The individuals had not long ago purchased components and other materials, with purchases from e-commerce sites.

Apprehension and Aftermath

Authorities intervened last week while the group were rehearsing the attack in the isolated region near Twentynine Palms. "They had all the components they were necessary to make an working IED at that place," an official said.

During executed searches, investigators reportedly located signs for the Turtle Island Liberation Front at one suspect's residence that advocated "America Must Fall", and "Eliminate ICE". At another suspect's home, police discovered a copy of the detailed explosives scheme.

Those arrested were detained without incident. They were due to make a court appearance in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon.