Florida Siblings Charged for IED Placed at MacDill Air Force Base

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Federal authorities have indicted a pair of Florida siblings, Alen Zheng, 20, and Ann Mary Zheng, 27, for allegedly planting an improvised explosive device at the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. Alen Zheng is accused of building and attempting to detonate the device, while Ann Mary Zheng is charged with helping him evade authorities after the fact.

Why it matters

The alleged incident at the MacDill Air Force Base, which houses the U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, raises serious concerns about security and the potential threat of domestic terrorism. The case also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking down suspects who may attempt to flee the country.

The details

According to the indictment, Alen Zheng placed the improvised explosive device at the base's visitor center on March 10, but it was safely disassembled by law enforcement on March 16 without detonating. The siblings, both U.S. citizens, then allegedly sold the Mercedes-Benz SUV they used and fled to China. Ann Mary Zheng was arrested upon returning from China, while Alen Zheng remains in China as of Thursday.

• On March 10, Alen Zheng allegedly placed the improvised explosive device at the MacDill Air Force Base.
• On March 16, law enforcement safely disassembled the device without it detonating.
• The siblings allegedly sold the vehicle used in the crime and fled to China.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Alen Zheng, who is currently in China, will face charges of attempted damage of government property, unlawful making of a destructive device, and possession of an unregistered destructive device. If convicted, he could be sentenced to between 5 and 40 years in prison. Ann Mary Zheng, who was arrested upon returning from China, faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of charges related to assisting her brother.