Federal officers arrested a fifth person in a serious bombing case. The arrest happened after a criminal complaint was made public. The suspect is Micah James Legnon. He is 29 years old. He is a transgender former U.S. Marine. He was arrested in Louisiana.
Police say Legnon was part of a group that planned bomb attacks on New Year’s Eve. The group wanted to use pipe bombs. The targets were ICE agents and some businesses. The plan was called “Operation Midnight Sun.” Four other suspects were arrested earlier in the Mojave Desert. Police say they were testing homemade bombs there. Officials say Legnon had strong anti-government and anti-police beliefs. He also made threats about “recreating Waco.” This means a violent fight with federal agents.
The Suspect: Military Background and Radical Identities
Micah James Legnon lived in New Iberia, Louisiana. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the past. Police say he used his military training to help plan attacks. Online, he used the names “Kateri TheWitch” and “DarkWitch She/Her.” When officers searched his home, they found many weapons and materials. These included:
- Several rifles and handguns
- Body armor and large amounts of ammunition
- Sniper and SWAT training books
Police believe this shows he was preparing for violence against the government.
Radical Ideology: The Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF)
Investigators say Legnon was connected to a group called the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF). Law enforcement describes this group as far-left and anti-government. The group supports violent action to change the system in North America.
TILF believes peaceful protest does not work. The group supports violence to reach its goals. They often speak against capitalism and government agencies. ICE and Border Patrol are common targets in their messages.
“Operation Midnight Sun”: The New Year’s Eve Bombing Plot
Police say the group planned to set off pipe bombs at midnight on New Year’s Eve. They chose this time because fireworks would cover the sound of the bombs. This would help them escape or keep attacking. The targets included:
- ICE buildings and agents in California and New Orleans
- Large business centers seen as symbols of capitalism
Legnon also talked about “recreating Waco.” Prosecutors say this shows he wanted a deadly fight with law enforcement.
Thwarted Attack in New Orleans
On December 12, officers watched Legnon loading weapons and armor into a vehicle. They believed he was planning to drive from New Iberia to New Orleans. Police say he wanted to attack ICE agents there. Many agents had been sent to the area for an enforcement mission called “Catahoula Crunch.” The FBI stopped Legnon on Highway 90. Inside the vehicle, officers found:
- An assault rifle
- A gas can
- Tactical gear
Authorities believe this stop prevented a deadly attack.
Legal Charges and the Growing Threat of Domestic Terrorism
Legnon is now being held at the Iberia Parish Jail. He is charged with making threats across state lines. Officials say more charges may be added. These could include conspiracy and illegal weapons charges.
The Department of Justice and FBI leaders say this case shows a growing danger. They warn that extremist groups use encrypted apps to plan violence. Officials say the arrest shows the importance of teamwork between law enforcement agencies to protect the public.
Disclaimer
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