Two siblings from Florida have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their alleged involvement in a plot to detonate an improvised explosive device (IED) at MacDill Air Force Base, according to court documents. The defendants, identified as 22-year-old Carlos Lopez and his 19-year-old sister Maria Lopez, are charged with conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction and attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization.
Details of the Alleged Plot
The indictment alleges that the siblings began planning the attack in late 2023, purchasing components for an IED online and communicating with an individual they believed to be a member of a terrorist group. Prosecutors claim the pair intended to target a critical facility on the base, which houses U.S. Central Command, a key military hub for operations in the Middle East.
This was a direct threat to American military personnel and national security, and swift action was taken to neutralize it, said FBI Special Agent in Charge John Harris.
Investigation and Arrest
The plot was uncovered after federal authorities received a tip from a local informant. Investigators tracked the siblings' online communications and conducted surveillance, culminating in their arrest on January 15. Authorities seized electronic devices and bomb-making materials during a search of their residence.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic terrorism and the vulnerability of military installations to such threats. MacDill Air Force Base has previously been a target of espionage and sabotage attempts, raising questions about security protocols.