On December 12, 2025, in the remote Mojave Desert, federal agents arrested suspects who were assembling improvised explosive devices.
The suspects were caught testing explosives just days before New Year’s Eve, when they planned to unleash chaos.
FBI agents had been tracking the far-left extremist group, “Order of the Black Lotus,” as they prepared to attack multiple U.S. companies. This coordinated bombing plot was about to disrupt the holiday festivities — but the authorities were one step ahead.
Escalating Threats
The plot, nicknamed “Operation Midnight Sun,” involved a series of bombings across Southern California, intended for the busiest time of the year: New Year’s Eve. The group had prepared improvised explosive devices (IEDs) targeting logistics hubs in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. While the primary New Year’s Eve plot targeted logistics companies, Legnon separately planned an attack on ICE facilities in New Orleans.
Seized bomb-making materials, including PVC pipes, powders, and fuses, were discovered by investigators. Their goal? To create widespread panic amid holiday crowds. Federal authorities had to act fast.
Radical Roots
The Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF), an anti-capitalist movement, laid the groundwork for this plot. TILF spawned the “Order of the Black Lotus,” a group that coordinated via encrypted apps.
The plotters used pro-Palestine and anti-fascist rhetoric, blending extremist views to justify violence against what they perceived as the U.S. government’s oppression. These radicalized members connected online, gathering followers through digital networks.
Mounting Pressures
The FBI had been monitoring the group as part of a broader initiative following the September 2025 executive order aimed at combating left-wing extremism. Under intense scrutiny, the group continued its bomb-making plans.
According to court filings, investigators obtained evidence from encrypted communications detailing attacks on key sites, including logistics facilities. These plans were well underway until their desert test runs led to their downfall. Authorities acted swiftly, preventing a potential nationwide tragedy.
Fifth Suspect Revealed
In a twist, Micah James Legnon, a 29-year-old transgender Marine veteran, was arrested as the fifth suspect. Legnon was captured in Louisiana and revealed a cross-country element to the plot.
The suspect, who used the online alias “Kateri TheWitch,” had planned a parallel attack targeting ICE facilities in New Orleans, aiming to further the extremist agenda. Legnon’s military experience added a chilling dimension to the threat, with snipers’ manuals and assault rifles found at his residence.
California Fallout
As news of the arrests spread, Southern California remained on edge. The FBI’s success in preventing bombings at multiple logistics sites during the New Year’s Eve celebrations was a relief.
But the threat didn’t vanish overnight. With heightened security across California, federal agents focused on securing critical infrastructure and preventing copycat attempts. Los Angeles-area ports and warehouses were on high alert, with more arrests feared as investigations deepened.
Suspect Profiles
Among the arrested was Audrey Carroll, a 30-year-old Los Angeles resident who had drafted the original “Operation Midnight Sun” blueprint. Zachary Page, 32, was responsible for sourcing bomb materials.
Dante Gaffield, 24, and Tina Lai participated in the explosive tests in the Mojave Desert. All five now face federal charges for conspiracy, bomb-making, and possession of unregistered explosive devices. Their motives: pure anti-capitalist rage.
ICE in the Crosshairs
While the primary New Year’s Eve plot targeted logistics companies, Legnon separately planned an attack on ICE facilities in New Orleans. His posts and encrypted communications revealed his intention to “recreate Waco” by attacking ICE agents.
With “Death to ICE” posters and sniper manuals found in his home, investigators confirmed the group’s dangerous tactics. ICE agents, already at risk due to heightened extremist threats, were now directly in the crosshairs.
Regulatory Response
In response to the plot, U.S. authorities swiftly escalated their counterterrorism efforts. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI acted under the September 2025 executive order, making anti-terrorism investigations a top priority.
Attorney General Pam Bondi hailed the arrests, calling them an example of effective intelligence sharing. Logistics firms and federal agencies ramped up their drills, preparing for more potential threats amid increasing radicalization.
Broader Trends
The plot’s timing coincided with rising domestic extremism. Groups like TILF had gained followers in online communities, some radicalized through platforms like Instagram.
These groups operated under the radar, coordinating via encrypted communications and engaging in weapon training. The spike in left-wing extremism has caught authorities off guard, as small groups show the capacity for large-scale operations despite a limited online presence.
Marine Vet Pattern
Legnon’s arrest brought attention to a disturbing trend: Marine veterans turning against the very government they once served. Like Benjamin Song, who led an ICE attack in Alvarado, Texas in July 2025, Legnon’s military training was repurposed for domestic terrorism.
Assault rifles, sniper manuals, and SWAT training materials seized from his home underscored the military sophistication behind these plots. This pattern is now raising concerns about the radicalization of combat veterans.
Group Frustrations
Behind the bombings was a deeply entrenched sense of frustration and radical ideology. Internal communications from the “Order of the Black Lotus” revealed how members viewed themselves as warriors in a struggle against capitalism.
Arrests exposed cracks in their operations, with sloppy security measures such as public posts urging violence. The group’s leadership crumbled under the pressure, but their radical beliefs are not easily extinguished.
Leadership Shifts
At the heart of the plot was Audrey Carroll, who crafted the bombing strategy. As the leader, she coordinated the plot’s execution, even as others like Zachary Page handled logistics and bomb-making.
With Carroll’s arrest, the group’s leadership has fragmented. The FBI notes that no clear successor has emerged to continue their violent mission. However, the group’s influence may persist in fragmented cells across the country.
Foiled Comeback
With the desert tests failing, the plan unraveled. The FBI’s decisive action in capturing the suspects, including their seizure of explosives and tactical materials, meant the plot was foiled before it could escalate.
The investigation continues, and while authorities are confident they have neutralized the threat, the group’s ideologies remain a concern. Legal experts suggest further indictments may follow for additional co-conspirators.
Skepticism Lingers
Despite the foiled plot, the risk of further attacks remains. Experts question whether all conspirators have been apprehended.
With groups like TILF operating in secrecy and using encrypted apps, future threats could be lurking. Federal officials remain vigilant, keeping a close watch on similar movements. As 2025 draws to a close, one question hangs in the air: how many more radicalized cells are out there, planning the next attack?
Sources:
ABC News – FBI Disrupted Alleged Terrorist Bombing Plot in Los Angeles
Published December 15, 2025
CBS News – U.S. Foiled Alleged Terror Plot in California by “Far-Left” Group
Published December 15, 2025
ABC7 (Los Angeles) – Former Marine Connected to SoCal Terror Arrests Was Allegedly Planning Attack in New Orleans
Published December 16, 2025
White House – Executive Order: Designating Antifa as a Domestic Terrorist Organization
Published September 22, 2025
NBC News – Ex-Marine Planned Attack in New Orleans That Would “Recreate Waco”
Published December 17, 2025