(The Center Square) − A New Iberia resident with alleged ties to a group that plotted a New Year’s Eve bombing in California has been arrested and accused of planning an attack in New Orleans.
Micah James Legnon is charged with threats in interstate commerce, meaning law enforcement does not have enough evidence yet to charge him with being involved in the California attack allegedly planned by the “Turtle Island Liberation Front” group. The FBI announced Monday it had thwarted the plot.
Legnon is described in a federal affidavit as a member of the group’s Signal chat, using the alias “Darkwitch.” The group, described in the affidavit as an anti-capitalist, anti-government movement, planned to put explosives at a variety of Los Angeles companies “engaged in activities affecting interstate and foreign commerce.” Four other people have been arrested.
Legnon was stopped on his way to New Orleans by federal agents who found an assault rifle, a pistol, “one gas canister” and body armor, the affidavit said. A search of his phone showed he had posted messages in the Turtle Island Liberation Front group chat.
Investigators executed a search warrant at his residence and reported finding “sniper training manuals, SWAT training manuals, assault rifles, and multiple rounds of ammunition,” according to the affidavit. Legnon was a U.S. Marine and had training in combat, the affidavit said.
He is accused of posting on Facebook his desire to “recreate Waco tx” against Border Patrol agents.
In the affidavit, the FBI describes the “Turtle Island Liberation Front – LA Chapter” as dedicated to “Liberation through decolonization and tribal sovereignty,” and says “Turtle Island” is a term used by some Native Americans to describe North America.
The filing says investigators learned of a Signal group chat called the “Order of the Black Lotus,” which the affidavit describes as a “radical” faction of TILF used to discuss a bombing plot, including plans to test explosive devices around Dec. 12.
