Former Marine Arrested in Connection with Far-Left Extremist Group's Bombing Plot
A suspect associated with a far-left extremist group's bombing plot on New Year's Eve was apprehended by authorities. Micah James Legnon, a former U.S. Marine, was arrested while en route to New Orleans with weapons, body armor, and a gas canister in his possession. Legnon, who goes by the aliases "Darkwitch She/Her" and "Kateri The Witch," is believed to have ties to the Turtle Island Liberation Front, a group planning bomb attacks in Southern California. The FBI had been monitoring Legnon due to his involvement with individuals linked to the Los Angeles bombing plot.
Legnon, who was observed loading an assault rifle and body armor into his vehicle, is suspected of being part of the Signal group chat "Order of The Black Lotus," used by TILF members to discuss their plans. Authorities stopped Legnon on Highway 90 and conducted a search, uncovering weapons and gear similar to those seen in a photo shared by Darkwitch in the group chat. A search of Legnon's residence yielded sniper and SWAT training manuals, assault rifles, and ammunition.
Under the alias "Kateri The Witch," Legnon posted on Facebook about recreating the Waco incident involving the Branch Davidians. The post, made during Operation Catahoula Crunch in New Orleans, referenced a controversial ATF raid that resulted in casualties. Investigators interpreted Legnon's post as a potential threat communicated through interstate channels. Earlier arrests of four TILF members thwarted the New Year's Eve bombing plot, which aimed to target multiple locations in southern California.
The Turtle Island Liberation Front, described as an anti-capitalist and anti-government movement, planned to carry out attacks against ICE agents. Audrey Carroll, Zachary Page, Dante Gaffield, and Tina Lai were among the arrested individuals associated with the group. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli highlighted the group's radical ideology and their explicit plans for violence. The suspects were apprehended after testing explosives in the desert.