2 charged in connection with alleged explosive device at MacDill Air Force Base: FBI
The FBI has recently brought charges against a brother and sister in connection with an alleged improvised explosive device (IED) that was found near the visitors center at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. The device, which was discovered by base personnel on March 16, was described by U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe as potentially very deadly and capable of causing significant damage to individuals in its range.
After being found, the device was transported in a specialized container via helicopter to the FBI lab in Huntsville, Alabama for further analysis, including fingerprint, DNA, and other forensic examinations. It was revealed that minutes after the device was placed on March 10, a 911 call was made stating that a bomb was on the base, although the caller did not provide specific details on its location.
Following a thorough search of the base, no device was immediately located. Subsequently, Alen Zheng was indicted on charges related to the attempted damage of government property, unlawful making of a destructive device, and possession of an unregistered destructive device. Ann Mary Zheng, on the other hand, faced charges of being an accessory after the fact and tampering with evidence by attempting to destroy, mutilate, and conceal a 2010 black Mercedes GLK 350.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the indictments, mentioning that one suspect is in custody for accessory and evidence tampering, while the primary suspect, charged with explosives offenses, is currently in China. It was reported that both suspects made plans to flee the day after the device was placed, selling their car and purchasing plane tickets to China.
As the investigation into the motive behind the placement of the alleged IED continues, officials have identified Zheng through information associated with the cell phone used to make the 911 call, surveillance footage, and other evidence. The case is still ongoing, with updates expected in the future.
