Authorities have identified a fifth suspect linked to a radical terror plot aimed at New Year’s Eve attacks in Los Angeles — a former US Marine and police officer named Micah Legnon.
The 29-year-old was apprehended in Louisiana after being accused of plotting an attack in New Orleans in coordination with the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF).
Alleged Preparations and Weapons
According to court documents, Legnon was allegedly spotted loading a vehicle with what appeared to be an assault rifle and body armor.
Officials say he was actively communicating with four other suspects, who were arrested on December 12 after allegedly testing homemade pipe bombs in the Mojave Desert.
The other individuals named in the investigation include Audrey Carroll, 30; Zachary Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 21.
These suspects were reportedly planning coordinated attacks on two companies across five locations in Los Angeles under the group dubbed the Order of the Black Lotus.
Their plot, referred to as Operation Midnight Sun, was detailed in an eight-page handwritten document.
Threatening Social Media Posts
Legnon, known as Darkwitch in the group’s chat, allegedly made threatening posts on social media aimed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
On December 4, using the username Kateri TheWitch, he reportedly reshared images of Border Patrol agents with the caption, “S*** time to recreate Waco tv with these fers. F ICE.”
Investigators note that the post appeared to reference the Waco siege, a 51-day standoff in 1993 that resulted in the deaths of four ATF agents and more than 70 Branch Davidian sect members.
Officials say the post “intended to convey a threat,” considering both its content and historical context.
Messages Suggesting Imminent Action
Text exchanges in the Order of the Black Lotus group chat allegedly show Legnon indicating he was traveling to New Orleans.
One message reportedly read, “On my way to Nola now, I’ll be there in about two hours,” accompanied by a photo of a weapon and body armor with the note, “just incase,” followed by a smirking emoji.
The affidavit also details plans by TILF to target ICE agents and vehicles using pipe bombs, further illustrating the alleged seriousness of the plot.
Ongoing Investigation
This story is developing as federal and local authorities continue their investigation into the alleged terror network and its broader activities.
Legnon’s arrest marks a significant addition to the case, highlighting the alleged involvement of former military personnel in extremist plots.
Authorities have identified a fifth suspect linked to a radical terror plot aimed at New Year’s Eve attacks in Los Angeles — a former US Marine and police officer named Micah Legnon.
The 29-year-old was apprehended in Louisiana after being accused of plotting an attack in New Orleans in coordination with the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF).
Alleged Preparations and Weapons
According to court documents, Legnon was allegedly spotted loading a vehicle with what appeared to be an assault rifle and body armor.
Officials say he was actively communicating with four other suspects, who were arrested on December 12 after allegedly testing homemade pipe bombs in the Mojave Desert.
The other individuals named in the investigation include Audrey Carroll, 30; Zachary Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 21.
These suspects were reportedly planning coordinated attacks on two companies across five locations in Los Angeles under the group dubbed the Order of the Black Lotus.
Their plot, referred to as Operation Midnight Sun, was detailed in an eight-page handwritten document.
Threatening Social Media Posts
Legnon, known as Darkwitch in the group’s chat, allegedly made threatening posts on social media aimed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
On December 4, using the username Kateri TheWitch, he reportedly reshared images of Border Patrol agents with the caption, “S*** time to recreate Waco tv with these fers. F ICE.”
Investigators note that the post appeared to reference the Waco siege, a 51-day standoff in 1993 that resulted in the deaths of four ATF agents and more than 70 Branch Davidian sect members.
Officials say the post “intended to convey a threat,” considering both its content and historical context.
Messages Suggesting Imminent Action
Text exchanges in the Order of the Black Lotus group chat allegedly show Legnon indicating he was traveling to New Orleans.
One message reportedly read, “On my way to Nola now, I’ll be there in about two hours,” accompanied by a photo of a weapon and body armor with the note, “just incase,” followed by a smirking emoji.
The affidavit also details plans by TILF to target ICE agents and vehicles using pipe bombs, further illustrating the alleged seriousness of the plot.
Ongoing Investigation
This story is developing as federal and local authorities continue their investigation into the alleged terror network and its broader activities.
Legnon’s arrest marks a significant addition to the case, highlighting the alleged involvement of former military personnel in extremist plots.
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