A U.S. citizen accused of planting an explosive device at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, remains at large after fleeing to China, according to federal authorities. Alen Zheng allegedly planted the device in the visitors center of the base, which serves as the headquarters for U.S. Central Command, overseeing military operations in Iran and the Middle East. The bomb reportedly went undiscovered for a week, raising serious concerns about security protocols at the critical military installation.
Federal Charges Filed
Alen Zheng and his sister, Ann Mary Zheng, both U.S. citizens, were indicted this week for their alleged roles in the incident. Ann Mary Zheng was arrested following a brief trip to China and appeared in federal court in Florida on Thursday. Her brother, however, remains unaccounted for, with authorities confirming his flight to China.
'The placement of an explosive device at a U.S. military base is a grave threat to national security,' a federal prosecutor stated during Ann Mary Zheng's arraignment.
MacDill Air Force Base houses U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, making it a strategic location for military operations. The alleged breach of security underscores vulnerabilities at high-profile installations, particularly as tensions with China and Iran persist. Federal officials are working with international partners to locate Alen Zheng and bring him to justice.