Federal Prosecutors Say New Year’s Eve Terror Plot in Southern California Was Stopped

Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles say a suspected terror plot planned for New Year’s Eve in Southern California was disrupted weeks before it could be carried out.

According to authorities, Audrey Carroll of Los Angeles and Zachary Aaron Page of Torrance are facing multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction and providing material support to terrorists. If convicted, both defendants could face life in prison.

Prosecutors say the alleged plan involved bomb attacks, though specific targets have not been publicly identified. Investigators have described the intended targets as logistical centers, but have not released further details due to the ongoing nature of the case.

Court records indicate that other alleged members connected to the case are also moving through the federal court system, with preliminary hearings underway. Trials for Carroll and Page are tentatively scheduled to begin on February 17.

Officials say stopping the alleged plot before it reached an operational stage prevented what could have been a significant threat to public safety during one of the busiest nights of the year.

Meanwhile, Palm Springs International Airport has returned to normal operations following a separate Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control issue that caused disruptions earlier. Airport officials say flights are now operating as scheduled.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.