Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:          
December 15, 2025             

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus today issued the following statement regarding the disruption of a planned terror attack in Southern California as part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s investigation known as Operation Verdant Force.

“The successful prevention of this planned attack underscores the critical importance of sustained coordination between federal, state, local, and tribal law-enforcement partners,” Sheriff Dicus said. “The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department works closely with the FBI through the Joint Terrorism Task Force to identify, disrupt, and neutralize threats before they can cause harm to the public.”

Led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Joint Terrorism Task Force unites federal, state, local, and tribal law-enforcement agencies to prevent terrorist threats through coordinated intelligence-sharing, a mission that expanded significantly nationwide following the September 11, 2001, attacks, and one in which the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is proud to participate.

Federal authorities reported that the investigation prevented a massive and horrific plot targeting multiple locations across Southern California. The investigation occurred within the Central District of California, which encompasses Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.

At a press conference held Monday morning, federal officials stated the alleged plot was linked to a group known as the Turtle Island Liberation Front, described as a far-left pro-Palestinian, anti-government, and anti-capitalist organization. Authorities allege the group planned a coordinated series of bombings across California to occur simultaneously at midnight on New Year’s Eve. The organization also allegedly advocated for attacks targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and vehicles.

Providing additional details, Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, stated the suspects were arrested in the Lucerne Valley area of San Bernardino County, on Friday while allegedly planning and rehearsing the attack. Investigators reported that the group tested explosive devices in the desert on December 12 and possessed bomb-making components intended for use in coordinated backpack-borne improvised explosive devices.

Sheriff Dicus also expressed appreciation to the current federal Administration and Congressional partners for increased funding through the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), which provides critical resources to the Riverside-area region, including San Bernardino County. UASI funding supports counterterrorism investigations and serves as the primary funding mechanism for the Inland Empire’s regional fusion center, STRAC, which integrates intelligence-sharing among federal, state, local, and tribal law-enforcement agencies.

As Southern California continues to host major international events such as the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, sustained funding and coordination with federal partners remain essential.

“These resources are essential to maintaining real-time intelligence sharing and coordinated threat response,” Sheriff Dicus said. “They directly support the boots-on-the-ground investigators, analysts, and first responders who work every day to keep our communities safe.”

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department remains committed to working with its law-enforcement partners to protect residents, prevent acts of violence, and ensure the safety and security of the region. The Department encourages the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity—see something, say something.

Link to Press Conference: FBI foils bombing plot targeting Los Angeles

Link to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California: Central District of California | Central District of California

Link to Full Criminal Complaint: Pleading

Link to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force: Joint Terrorism Task Forces — FBI

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is the law enforcement agency for the largest geographical county in the nation. Sheriff Shannon Dicus currently serves as San Bernardino County’s 36th Sheriff-Coroner. The department serves over 2.2 million residents, with eight county and 14 contract patrol stations and over 4,200 employees to ensure the quality and safety of those we serve. 


CONTACT: Public Affairs
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
Phone: 909-387-3700
[email protected]