Behind the Badge
Federal officials arrested four people on Dec. 12, 2025, for an alleged New Year’s Eve bomb plot targeting areas throughout Southern California — and law enforcement collaboration combined with community vigilance was the key to stopping the terrible act from occurring.
The foiled attack was directed at technology and logistics companies across the Central District of California, with conspirators intending to leave backpacks loaded with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at various locations. The makeshift pipe bombs were planned to simultaneously detonate as Southern Californians rang in the new year at midnight.
People gather in Orange for the holiday tree lighting in December 2025. Gatherings like these can be targeted for attacks. Law enforcement vigilance, along with public vigilance, is key to preventing tragic incidents.
Photo provided by SafeOC
The individuals, said to be part of an anti-capitalist and anti-government group named the Turtle Island Liberation Front, were arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation while assembling the bombs in the Mojave Desert.
Each is charged with one count of providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists and one count of possession of unregistered firearms.
Two of the suspects have also been charged with one count of conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, according to statements released by the Department of Justice.
While federal officials have credited the collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies in preventing this attack from moving beyond the planning phase, community vigilance is also key.
SafeOC, the localized version of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “If You See Something, Say Something” anti-terrorism public awareness campaign, provides detailed guidance on recognizing and reporting suspicious activity.
The public often acts as the eyes and ears for local authorities, says Lieutenant Mike Monjaraz, Public Information Officer for the Orange Police Department, and the recently thwarted bombing plot serves as a reminder of the importance of staying alert for potential signs of the planning and research stages of an attack.
For instance, a person might observe someone scoping out or photographing an area or purchasing weapons or materials that could be used in a threat to human life. More importantly, one might hear a person discussing a planned attack or expressing views that, when coupled with other notable signs of potential harm, are concerning.
“If something raises suspicion, call the authorities and give us the opportunity to come out and investigate. Because if the community is seeing things, but it doesn’t get reported, it robs us of the chance to look into the matter and get ahead of it and intervene, if necessary,” he says.
To report potentially dangerous activity, residents should call 911 or their local police department.
The more detailed information one can provide, the better, including location, a head-to-toe description of the subjects involved, and the specific behavior that is causing concern. If possible, taking photographs and videos to go alongside a report is also helpful in providing law enforcement with investigative leads.
“A lot of times people will see something that doesn’t seem right but tend to self-censor and think, ‘I’m not going to bother the police department,’ but if you see something, trust your gut feelings and report it,” says Monjaraz. “Let the authorities figure out if it’s suspicious or not.”
People gather in Orange for the holiday tree lighting in December 2025. Gatherings like these can be targeted for attacks, but tragic incidents can be prevented with careful public and law enforcement vigilance.
Photo provided by SafeOC
The biggest takeaway from the thwarted New Year’s Eve attack is to remain cognizant of what is happening around you, he reiterates.
While it is easy to become preoccupied with daily life, especially during the busy holiday season, slowing down and staying alert for anything that might be out of the ordinary helps keep communities from being victimized.
“We sometimes take for granted that we live in, for the most part, a safe community,” says Monjaraz. “But the possibility of danger is always out there. By paying attention and being aware of your surroundings, you increase the likelihood of staying safe.”
For more safety tips and updates, visit safeoc.com. Sign up here for the SafeOC newsletter.
