Justice Department says far-left extremist group planned coordinated attacks across Los Angeles and Orange County.
LOS ANGELES, CA – Federal authorities say they have thwarted a large-scale domestic terror plot allegedly planned by members of a far-left extremist group that intended to carry out multiple bombings across Southern California on New Year’s Eve.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced the arrests Thursday following what she described as an “intense investigation” by the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI. Officials said the suspects are affiliated with an organization calling itself the Turtle Island Liberation Front, a group described as anti-government, anti-capitalist, and pro-Palestine in ideology.
According to preliminary findings, members of the group had been preparing to launch coordinated attacks targeting public venues, law enforcement, and federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and vehicles. Authorities said the attacks were set to begin in the Central District of California, encompassing Los Angeles and Orange counties.
Federal investigation disrupts planned attacks
The FBI began monitoring the organization months ago after online chatter indicated potential threats against federal facilities and public spaces. Agents executed multiple search warrants earlier this week, seizing materials believed to be intended for use in explosives and detaining several individuals for questioning.
While the Justice Department has not yet released the names or number of those arrested, officials confirmed that the plot has been fully disrupted and that no active threat remains to the public. Prosecutors are expected to release formal charges in the coming days.
Officials praise interagency response
Attorney General Bondi commended the FBI and federal prosecutors for their work in preventing what she called a “massive and horrific” attack. “We will continue to pursue these terror groups and bring them to justice,” she said in a statement.
Authorities continue to analyze evidence recovered during the raids and are investigating possible connections to other extremist networks nationwide. The Justice Department emphasized that the case remains ongoing and that additional arrests could follow as the investigation develops.
