Crime
Four Charged in Alleged New Year’s Eve Bombing Plot Targeting Multiple Sites in Southern California
Four individuals have been charged in connection with an alleged bombing plot in Southern California, according to a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Prosecutors allege the defendants conspired to construct and possess an unregistered destructive device, in violation of federal law.
The complaint states that the plot involved plans to plant explosive devices at five separate locations in the Los Angeles area at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
The intended targets reportedly included facilities associated with two U.S.-based companies, as well as vehicles and personnel linked to immigration enforcement.
The defendants named in the complaint are Audrey Illeene Carroll, Zachary Aaron Page, Dante Gaffield, and Tina Lai.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Monday that the FBI disrupted the alleged plot before any devices were deployed, crediting coordinated law enforcement efforts with preventing potential mass harm in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
Federal authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
No additional details about the specific targets or methods were immediately released.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
SAN JOSE, Calif. — A San Jose police officer was shot and injured while investigating an armed carjacking in the downtown area on Wednesday, according to the San Jose Police Department (SJPD).
Authorities said the incident unfolded near the downtown core, close to major roadways including Highway 87 and the Julian Street exit.
Preliminary information indicates the suspect was involved in a series of violent events spanning multiple jurisdictions prior to the shooting.
Investigators believe the suspect initially stole a white Honda in Hollister, after abandoning a green Chevrolet Corvette.
During the course of the incident, the suspect allegedly fired shots at pursuing law enforcement officers, prompting a high-speed pursuit.
Police said the chase continued northbound on U.S. Highway 101, with speeds reportedly exceeding 100 miles per hour, traveling from Gilroy to San Jose. The pursuit ultimately led officers into the downtown area, where the officer-involved shooting occurred.
SJPD confirmed that a sworn department member was struck by gunfire and was transported to a local hospital. The officer’s condition has not been publicly disclosed at this time.
In a statement released on social media, the department said:
“SJPD is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in downtown San Jose related to an armed carjacking. An SJPD sworn Department member has been shot and transported to a local hospital. This is an active and ongoing investigation, and PIOs will share more information as it becomes available.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, police had not confirmed whether any suspects were in custody, nor had they indicated whether any civilians were injured during the incident.
The shooting took place in an area that includes government buildings, businesses, and major transit hubs, leading to temporary traffic disruptions and a heightened police presence.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional details are expected to be released by authorities as more information becomes available.