Federal Authorities Charge Siblings in MacDill Air Force Base Explosive Device Plot

Federal prosecutors have revealed details of a failed bomb plot targeting the perimeter of MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.

Two siblings from Land O’Lakes, Alen Zheng and Ann Mary Zheng, face serious federal charges after an improvised explosive device (IED) was discovered earlier this month.

According to court documents, Alen Zheng planted the device in a secluded area near the base’s visitor center on March 10.

Investigators state that Alen placed a 911 call after planting the device but provided a vague location that hindered its immediate discovery.

An Air Force service member eventually located the device on March 16. Officials confirmed the IED was capable of causing serious injury or death but failed to detonate.

In the days following the initial incident, the siblings reportedly sold their vehicle at a local CarMax and booked international flights.

On March 12, both Alen and Ann Mary fled to China.

Ann Mary Zheng was arrested on March 17 upon her return to the United States via Detroit. She now faces charges of witness tampering and acting as an accessory.

Alen Zheng remains at large in China and is charged with attempted damage to government property and possession of an unregistered destructive device.

During a search of the family’s residence, investigators uncovered bomb-making materials and found explosive residue in the vehicle the siblings had sold.

The suspects’ mother is currently in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for visa violations after admitting her son confessed to the plot.

MacDill Air Force Base serves as the headquarters for U.S. Central Command, making the security breach a focal point of national concern.

The incident has sparked significant public debate regarding domestic security and foreign influence.

The Trump administration and federal law enforcement agencies have not yet commented on potential extradition efforts for Alen Zheng.