How Did the FBI Stop a New Year's Eve Terror Plot in Southern California?

A suspected New Year's Eve terror plot by the Turtle Island Liberation Front, an extremist group, has been foiled by federal authorities in Los Angeles. Four individuals were arrested on suspicion of planning coordinated bombing attacks across southern California. This situation highlights ongoing security concerns regarding domestic extremism and the proactive measures taken by law enforcement to prevent potential attacks.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Federal authorities have confirmed the arrest of four individuals linked to a suspected terror plot targeting multiple locations in Los Angeles on New Year's Eve. The apprehended suspects are believed to be part of the Turtle Island Liberation Front, which is described as an offshoot of a pro-Palestinian, anti-government group. These arrests come after a series of investigative efforts by the FBI and local law enforcement, who succeeded in preemptively disrupting what officials have called a "massive and horrific terror plot." The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking to identify any additional suspects or connections to the group.

Key takeaways

Four members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front were arrested for planning bomb attacks.
The plot targeted at least five locations in southern California, including logistic centres.
The FBI's swift action is credited with preventing a potential tragedy.

Timeline: how we got here

On 12 December 2023, the suspects reportedly travelled to the desert east of Los Angeles, carrying precursor chemicals intended for creating bombs. Surveillance footage captured their movements, prompting the FBI SWAT team to intervene. The arrests occurred just before the planned attacks on New Year's Eve, showcasing the urgent action taken by authorities to neutralise the threat. The timeline indicates a focused effort by law enforcement to monitor and disrupt domestic terror plots in real-time.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The FBI has confirmed the arrests and outlined the suspects' plans to carry out bombings at specific targets in the Los Angeles area. The details revealed about the group’s intentions to attack not only logistic centres but also Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents indicate a broader agenda of anti-government extremism.

What was already established

Prior to this incident, concerns about domestic extremism had been rising, particularly in light of previous attacks linked to radical groups. The Turtle Island Liberation Front had been on the radar of law enforcement for its anti-government rhetoric, but this specific plot highlights the alarming shift towards operational capabilities and intentions of violence.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the immediate threat was contained in the US, UK residents should remain vigilant about the potential for similar extremist activities. Increased security measures and monitoring may impact travel and public events, especially during holiday periods when such threats may spike.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses, particularly those in logistics and transportation that could be targeted by similar plots, may face heightened security protocols. This could lead to increased operational costs and adjustments in security measures across the sector.

Policy and regulation

The UK government may take cues from the US response to this plot, potentially leading to policy discussions around domestic terrorism, radicalisation prevention, and inter-agency cooperation to address similar threats on UK soil.

Numbers that matter

4 individuals arrested, suspected members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front.
5 locations targeted for bombing attacks in southern California.
1 surveillance plane used to monitor the suspects’ movements.
12 December 2023 – date of the suspects’ trip to the desert with bomb-making materials.

Definitions and jargon buster

Turtle Island Liberation Front: An extremist group that opposes government authority and has pro-Palestinian sympathies.
Improvised Explosive Device (IED): A bomb constructed and deployed in ways other than conventional military action.
SWAT team: Special Weapons and Tactics team, a specialised police unit trained to handle high-risk operations.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, expect increased security measures in public areas and potential public events as authorities remain on high alert for any further threats. The investigation will likely lead to more arrests as law enforcement pieces together the extent of the group's network.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Law enforcement agencies may implement new policies or training aimed at identifying and preventing domestic terrorism. Additionally, there might be discussions around community engagement strategies to counter radicalisation.

Signals to watch

Monitoring of extremist groups and their activities.
Community outreach efforts aimed at preventing radicalisation.
Public statements from law enforcement regarding ongoing investigations and interventions.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about local security alerts and advisories.
Report any suspicious activities to local authorities.
Participate in community events aimed at fostering dialogue about extremism.

Don’t

Don’t ignore suspicious behaviour or threats.
Don’t engage with extremist ideologies online or offline.
Don’t underestimate the potential for domestic terrorism.

Checklist

Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.
Know how to contact local law enforcement in case of emergency.
Educate yourself about signs of radicalisation in individuals.
Engage with community safety programmes.
Participate in discussions about preventing extremism.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While authorities have disrupted this specific plot, the nature of extremist groups means that threats can evolve rapidly. It remains unclear how many additional individuals may be involved or if similar plots are being developed elsewhere. The ongoing investigation will hopefully shed light on these uncertainties, but until then, vigilance remains crucial.

Bottom line

The successful disruption of the Turtle Island Liberation Front's plot underscores the importance of proactive measures in countering domestic extremism. As the investigation continues, it is essential for communities to remain aware and engaged in efforts to prevent extremism from taking root. The safeguarding of public safety is a shared responsibility that requires collective vigilance.

FAQs

What was the terror plot about?

The terror plot involved plans to execute bombing attacks at multiple locations in southern California, specifically targeting logistic centres on New Year's Eve.

Who were the suspects?

The suspects include Audrey Illeene Carroll, Zachary Aaron Page, Dante Gaffield, and Tina Lai, all of whom are alleged members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front.

What actions did law enforcement take?

Law enforcement, including the FBI and LAPD, conducted surveillance and successfully arrested the suspects before they could carry out their planned attacks.