FBI Thwarts Terror Plots Across 4 States

Arrests made in California, Pennsylvania, Texas, and North Carolina

Mar. 17, 2026 at 7:52am

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FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that federal agents disrupted four separate terror plots across four different states in December 2025. The alleged plans involved bombing campaigns, explosives attacks, and attempts to provide materials to foreign terrorist organizations.

Why it matters

The FBI's ability to uncover and stop these alleged terror plots before they could be carried out highlights the ongoing threat of domestic and international terrorism, even during the holiday season. It also demonstrates the coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement to address national security concerns.

The details

According to Patel, on December 12, the FBI arrested four members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front who were allegedly planning a New Year's Eve bombing campaign targeting businesses across southern California. On December 21, the FBI and local authorities in Pennsylvania arrested an individual who had been "researching ISIS propaganda to utilize in an explosives attack campaign." On December 29, an "ISIS sympathizer" was arrested in Texas for allegedly attempting to provide bomb-making materials to a foreign terrorist organization. And on New Year's Eve, the FBI worked with state and federal law enforcement in New York to arrest an individual in North Carolina who allegedly wanted to be an 'ISIS soldier' and carry out a mass casualty attack that night.

  • On December 12, the FBI arrested four members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front.
  • On December 21, the FBI and local authorities in Pennsylvania arrested an individual.
  • On December 29, an "ISIS sympathizer" was arrested in Texas.
  • On New Year's Eve, the FBI worked with state and federal law enforcement in New York to arrest an individual in North Carolina.

The players

Kash Patel

FBI Director.

Turtle Island Liberation Front

An alleged domestic terror group that was planning a bombing campaign in southern California.

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What’s next

The FBI and law enforcement agencies will continue to investigate the details of these alleged terror plots and any potential connections between the groups and individuals involved.

The takeaway

The FBI's ability to uncover and disrupt these alleged terror plots before they could be carried out demonstrates the ongoing vigilance required to address the persistent threat of domestic and international terrorism, even during the holiday season.