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Court filings reveal the suspects drafted detailed handwritten instructions on bomb-making, compiled lists of materials such as pipes, explosive precursors, and timers, and discussed how to inflict maximum casualties during New Year’s Eve festivities. Michael Carroll reportedly said during planning that the intended attacks “would be considered a terrorist act.”
Authorities say the group procured the necessary components and conducted dry runs in remote areas to test detonation techniques. Federal officials emphasized that the plot was thwarted before any bombs were assembled or deployed, averting potential loss of life and widespread property damage.
The indictment charges the four with conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, attempted use of destructive devices, possession of unregistered destructive devices, conspiracy to damage property in interstate commerce, and two counts of providing material support to a terrorist organization.
If convicted on all counts, each defendant could face life in prison without parole. Mandatory minimum sentences range from 20 to 40 years, depending on the charges. The conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction carries a potential life sentence alone, while additional destructive device charges could add another decade per count.
Federal prosecutors have indicated they may seek enhanced penalties under terrorism statutes. These penalties could extend beyond 100 years per defendant if aggravating factors, such as intent to kill or maim large numbers of civilians, are proven in court. All four defendants remain detained without bail, with arraignments scheduled for early January 2026.
Investigators identify the four as members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF), a radical group described by authorities as anti-government, anti-capitalist, and pro-Palestinian, advocating for violent “anti-colonial” actions.
TILF, which refers to North America as “Turtle Island” based on Indigenous terminology, seeks to disrupt corporate and government infrastructure through sabotage and violence. The group emerged in the early 2020s amid environmental protests, advocacy for Palestinian statehood, and opposition to U.S. immigration policies.
Estimates suggest TILF has 50 to 100 active members nationwide, concentrated mainly in California and the Pacific Northwest, with a larger online following of thousands of sympathizers on social media.
Attorney General Pam Bondi commented on the arrests, saying: “The arrests prevented what would have been a devastating terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve. The charges a federal grand jury returned today reflect the seriousness of the conduct: a planned terrorist attack on American soil on New Year’s Eve.”
Authorities emphasized that the plot was domestic, with no links to foreign terrorist groups. The investigation remains active, and officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges or arrests if further conspirators are identified.
