Federal authorities announced they have disrupted a credible terrorist threat, arresting four alleged members of a radical pro-Palestinian extremist group accused of planning coordinated New Year’s Eve bombings in Los Angeles.
The FBI confirmed that the suspects identified themselves as part of a radical offshoot of the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF), an extremist group motivated by pro-Palestinian, anti-law-enforcement, and anti-government ideology.
The alleged plot involved coordinated bombing attacks on New Year’s Eve using improvised explosive devices (IEDs), targeting five separate locations across Los Angeles.
Key details of the arrests and investigation:
- Location of Arrests: The four were arrested in Lucerne Valley, California, where they were believed to be preparing to test the explosive devices.
- Charges: Each suspect has been charged with conspiracy and possession of a destructive device.
- Fifth Suspect: On Monday, the FBI arrested a fifth individual connected to the same TILF extremist group in New Orleans for allegedly planning a separate attack.
- TILF Ideology: The group’s social media confirms its goal is to free "Turtle Island" (an Indigenous name for North America) from the "illegal American empire," posting slogans like "Free Palestine. Free Hawaii. Free Puerto Rico." Attorney General Pam Bondi also noted TILF was planning to target U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and vehicles.
Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the Department of Justice and the FBI for preventing the alleged terror plot. "This was an incredible effort... to ensure Americans can live in peace," Bondi wrote on X. "We will continue to pursue these terror groups and bring them to justice."