Brother and Sister Charged After Explosive Device Found at Florida Air Force Base

Siblings Alen and Ann Mary Zheng face federal charges related to the incident at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:40pm

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A 20-year-old man and his 27-year-old sister have been indicted on federal charges after an explosive device was discovered outside an Air Force base in Tampa, Florida. Alen Zheng allegedly planted the device and then fled to China with his sister, Ann Mary Zheng. Their mother has also been detained for overstaying her visa. The device did not detonate but was deemed potentially deadly by authorities.

Why it matters

The incident at MacDill Air Force Base, home to the U.S. Central Command, raises concerns about security at military installations, especially in light of the ongoing war in Iran. The case also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking down suspects who flee the country.

The details

Alen Zheng is charged with attempting to damage government property and unlawfully making and possessing an explosive device, which could result in a 40-year prison sentence if convicted. His sister, Ann Mary Zheng, faces 30 years in prison for witness tampering and being an accessory after the fact. Authorities say the siblings sold their car, bought tickets to China, and fled the country shortly after the device was discovered on March 16. Evidence, including residue matching the explosive, was found in their home.

  • The explosive device was planted by Alen Zheng on March 10.
  • Alen Zheng made a 911 call minutes after planting the device, alerting authorities to a bomb at the base.
  • The device went undiscovered for nearly a week until it was found on March 16 outside the base's visitors center.
  • By March 12, the Zheng siblings had sold their car, bought tickets to China, and fled the country.

The players

Alen Zheng

A 20-year-old man charged with attempting to damage government property and unlawfully making and possessing an explosive device.

Ann Mary Zheng

The 27-year-old sister of Alen Zheng, charged with witness tampering and being an accessory after the fact.

Gregory Kehoe

The U.S. Attorney who announced the charges against the Zheng siblings.

Matthew Fodor

The FBI Special Agent in Charge who discussed the investigation.

The Zheng Family

The family, including the mother who has been detained for overstaying her visa, is of Chinese descent and has U.S. citizenship.

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What they’re saying

“We must explore every avenue we can to get him back to the United States.”

— Gregory Kehoe, U.S. Attorney

“The device didn't detonate, but 'could have potentially been very deadly'.”

— Gregory Kehoe, U.S. Attorney

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Alen Zheng to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by military installations, especially in the context of heightened tensions and the war in Iran. It also underscores the need for robust investigative efforts to track down suspects who attempt to flee the country.