Overview
- Four defendants from the Los Angeles area were charged with conspiracy and possession of an unregistered destructive device after investigators said they planned coordinated backpack bombings on New Year’s Eve.
- A fifth suspect, ex-Marine Micah James Legnon, was arrested in Louisiana and charged with threats in interstate commerce after agents intercepted the suspect en route to New Orleans with firearms, a gas canister, body armor, and tactical gear.
- Court filings describe an encrypted Signal group called Order of the Black Lotus linked to the Turtle Island Liberation Front, where members used aliases and discussed operational security.
- Investigators say the 'Operation Midnight Sun' plan called for simultaneous detonations at multiple Southern California sites, with ICE officers and government vehicles listed among potential targets.
- Evidence cited by prosecutors includes desert explosive-testing materials such as PVC pipes, potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur, along with propaganda posters recovered during searches; additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.