Extremist Group’s New Year’s Eve Bombing Plot Thwarted; Transgender Veteran Among Those Arrested
Authorities have apprehended five individuals in connection with an alleged New Year’s Eve bombing plot orchestrated by a radical extremist group. The case raises concerns about the growing influence of extremist ideologies and the potential for violence they pose to the safety and security of our communities.
Among those arrested is 29-year-old Micah James Legnon, also known online as “Kateri TheWitch” and “DarkWitch She/Her.” According to a criminal complaint, Legnon, a transgender veteran, allegedly expressed a desire to target immigration officers.
The investigation revealed that Legnon was connected to online communications with suspected members of the far-left group Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF). This group is accused of planning to plant pipe bombs targeting businesses and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigations suggest Legnon was planning an attack in New Orleans in coordination with attacks planned for California. The complaint also highlights a Facebook post where Legnon allegedly referred to Border Patrol agents using offensive language, alongside multiple social media posts calling for the death of individuals labeled as “fascists,” according to reports.
The complaint further notes Legnon’s prior military service as a Marine, where they received combat training. There were conversations about instructing co-conspirators in “urban tactics” and honing their “accuracy and combat shooting” skills, referencing experience in training large numbers of people.
The other four suspects arrested in Los Angeles are Audrey Carroll, 30, Zachary Page, 32 (also transgender), Dante Gaffield, 24, and Tina Lai, 41. According to reports, Page requested to be housed in a women’s jail.
These suspects reportedly were members of a Signal chat group called “Order of the Black Lotus,” which law enforcement has identified as a splinter group of TILF.
Search warrants executed in California revealed signs with messages such as “Death to America,” “Death to ICE,” and “Long Live Turtle Island and Palestine.”
The planned New Year’s Eve attack, codenamed “Operation Midnight Sun,” involved planting backpacks containing explosives at two companies in Los Angeles. A handwritten plan outlining the operation was reportedly discovered by investigators.
“Turtle Island” is a term used by some indigenous peoples, such as the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee, to refer to the continent of North America.
This case highlights the importance of vigilance and the need for law enforcement to proactively address potential threats from extremist groups. It also raises questions about the spread of radical ideologies and the need to promote patriotism and respect for the rule of law. It is important to understand the motivations and intentions of such groups and to counter their narratives with strong, positive messages that emphasize the values of freedom, responsibility, and respect for all Americans.
The arrests mark a successful intervention by law enforcement to prevent a potentially devastating attack. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by extremism and the need for continued efforts to protect our communities from violence and hatred.
