Alleged IED Plot Targeting U.S. Air Force Hub Uncovered; Siblings Charged
Authorities have unveiled a concerning plot involving an alleged improvised explosive device (IED) targeting a critical U.S. Air Force base, a key command center for American operations in the Middle East. The incident has led to federal charges against a brother and sister, with one sibling in custody and the other reportedly having fled to China.
The alleged conspiracy came to light following the discovery of an unexploded explosive device near an entrance to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, on March 16. This sensitive installation serves as the headquarters for both U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees operations in the Middle East, and U.S. Special Operations Command, underscoring its strategic importance.
Federal indictments unsealed on Thursday detail the charges against Alen Zheng, 20, and Ann Mary Zheng, 27, who share an address in Land O’ Lakes. Alen Zheng faces charges including attempting to damage government property, unlawfully making a destructive device, and possessing an unregistered destructive device. His sister, Ann Mary Zheng, is charged with witness tampering and acting as an accessory after the fact, allegedly by concealing or destroying a 2010 Mercedes-Benz to hide evidence related to her brother’s alleged actions.
The timeframe for the alleged crimes is reported to be between March 10 and March 12, preceding the discovery of the device near the base’s visitors center.
Adding a layer of intrigue and concern, a distorted voice in a video sent to the Tampa Bay Times on Monday claimed responsibility for the plot. The speaker, appearing in silhouette, stated that a previously planted bomb near the base on March 10 had failed to detonate but warned of further actions. “We have taken actions to rectify this,” the voice declared, adding, “We have a newly improved design that we plan to use in the upcoming days.” The speaker further asserted that the device was planted “in opposition to the war in Iran by the Epstein pedophiles of the U.S. government.” This individual also voiced criticism of former President Trump’s immigration policies and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, claiming to represent an international group identified as the “New Weathermen Underground.”
The FBI confirmed that Alen Zheng is the subject of an arrest warrant and has fled to China, while Ann Mary Zheng is in federal custody. FBI Director Kash Patel provided this information.
MacDill Air Force Base has been operating under heightened security measures since the commencement of the war in Iran. This alleged IED plot is not the only recent security concern for the base. On March 18, a separate threat was made against MacDill. Earlier this week, a different individual was apprehended on charges related to making threatening phone calls to the base in the days following the discovery of the device. However, investigators have not established a direct link between this caller and the planted device or the Zheng siblings.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security have previously issued warnings about potential retaliatory attacks following the escalation of the war, urging increased vigilance at military and government facilities across the nation.
The heightened security concerns and potential for extremist actions have been underscored by other recent events. For instance, on February 28, the same day the U.S. and Israel initiated military actions, a gunman opened fire at a crowded bar in Austin, Texas, resulting in two fatalities and fourteen injuries. The shooter, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Senegal, was killed by police after firing at patrons from the street and then targeting pedestrians. Investigators reportedly found a Quran in his vehicle and noted that he was wearing a shirt emblazoned with “Property of Allah” on the day of the attack. While this incident is separate from the MacDill plot, it highlights the ongoing climate of fear and potential for violence.
