Four individuals connected to an anti-capitalist group have been arrested for allegedly plotting to attack two U.S. companies with explosives this New Year’s Eve. This group, known as the Turtle Island Liberation Front, has been characterized by its far-left views and calls for violence against U.S. officials.
According to Attorney General Pamela Bondi, the FBI played a key role in stopping these plans, ensuring public safety. “This was a serious threat, but thanks to swift action, we disrupted it,” she stated. FBI Director Kash Patel added that the suspects were planning to test their explosives in the Mojave Desert, using encrypted communications to avoid detection.
One of the arrested, Audrey Illeene Carroll, is said to have drafted a document detailing their plot, which she referred to as “Operation Midnight Sun.” This document outlined plans to carry out bombings at multiple locations in the Los Angeles area during the midnight hour.
The Turtle Island Liberation Front supports ideas like tribal sovereignty and often expresses anti-capitalist sentiments on social media. The group’s name comes from a term used by some Native American cultures to describe North America.
In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in domestic extremist groups. According to a 2022 report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, domestic terrorism cases rose by 30% from the previous year. Experts warn that while freedom of speech is vital, it must not cross into calls for violence.
The arrested members will face serious charges. If convicted, they could face up to 15 years in prison. The FBI ensured that law enforcement from various agencies worked together to prevent this attack.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing extremism while maintaining civil liberties. National security officials stress that while people can express extreme views, violent actions will always be met with legal consequences.
For more on extremism in the U.S., you can read the Center for Strategic and International Studies report.
