Overview:
Four alleged members of the anti-government extremist group Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF) have been indicted on federal charges, including providing material support to terrorists and conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction. Authorities say the defendants planned coordinated New Year’s Eve bombings targeting Southern California businesses and law enforcement. The case remains ongoing, and no injuries occurred during their arrest.
LOS ANGELES — A federal grand jury has indicted four alleged members of an anti-government extremist group on federal charges, including providing or attempting to provide material support to terrorists and weapons offenses, stemming from an alleged plot to carry out bombings in Southern California on New Year’s Eve, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. This anti-government stance allegedly motivated their actions.
Indictment Details and Alleged Group Affiliations
In a six-count indictment unsealed this week, federal prosecutors allege the defendants conspired to construct and deploy explosive devices targeting American businesses, with additional discussions involving potential attacks on federal law enforcement personnel.
Authorities say the defendants were associated with the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF), a known anti-government entity, as well as a more radical faction that communicated through an encrypted messaging group referred to as the “Order of the Black Lotus,” according to court documents.
The Defendants
The defendants are:
- Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30, also known as “Asiginaak” and “Black Moon,” of South Los Angeles
- Zachary Aaron Page, 32, also known as “AK,” “Ash Kerrigan,” and “Cthulhu’s Daughter,” of Torrance
- Dante James Anthony-Gaffield, 24, also known as “Nomad,” of South Los Angeles
- Tina Lai, 41, also known as “Kickwhere,” of Glendale
Each defendant is charged with one count of possessing unregistered firearms and one count of providing or attempting to provide material support to terrorists. Carroll and Page also face an additional charge of conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction. Under federal law, explosive devices such as pipe bombs are classified as weapons of mass destruction. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Alleged Bombing Plot and Preparations
According to the indictment, Carroll allegedly wrote a handwritten manuscript in November 2025 titled “Operation Midnight Sun,” which outlined a coordinated anti-government bombing campaign against American businesses in Southern California on New Year’s Eve. Prosecutors say the document included descriptions of intended targets, instructions for constructing explosive devices, guidance on acquiring materials, and methods for avoiding detection by law enforcement.
Federal authorities allege the defendants obtained bomb-making materials — including potassium nitrate, sulfur, charcoal, and pipes — in early December 2025. The group is said to have gone to the Mojave Desert on Dec. 12, 2025, to put together and test explosives that they planned to use in the attacks.
Alleged Plans for Law Enforcement Targets
Prosecutors further allege that Carroll and Page discussed plans for the aftermath of the New Year’s Eve bombings, including the possible use of firearms and pipe bombs to target U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel and vehicles, according to encrypted communications cited in the indictment. Their plans were fueled by anti-government sentiments.
Arrest and Legal Consequences
Before any working explosive devices could be completed, FBI agents detained the defendants during the Mojave Desert trip, authorities said. No injuries were reported.
Carroll and Page could receive a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment in federal prison if found guilty. Anthony-Gaffield and Lai each face a statutory maximum sentence of up to 25 years in prison.
Ongoing Case and Reporting
The case is still going through court, and more information may come out in future filings and hearings.
Presence News will keep you up to date on new information as it comes in.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Justice — U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025
Editor’s Disclaimer: This article reports on an ongoing federal criminal case. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Presence News strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information; however, details may change as the case develops.
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