Federal prosecutors have confirmed that an executive order from President Donald Trump played a significant role in the FBI’s ability to uncover and stop a planned New Year’s Eve terrorist attack by a so-called “far-left” extremist group in California.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Esseri explained that this executive order sparked an investigation leading to several arrests. He indicated, perhaps somewhat confidently, that the inquiry was initiated as a direct result of the September 2025 Executive Order and the Attorney General’s subsequent directives to direct federal resources toward investigating these groups.
Esseri shared this information during an appearance on “Fox & Friends” on Tuesday, noting that four suspected members of this pro-Palestinian extremist group were arrested on accusations of plotting a bombing.
According to Esseri, the executive order triggered a federal investigation that unveiled the group’s alleged conspiracy. The Justice Department reported that four individuals, linked to an “anti-capitalist and anti-government” organization, are currently in custody.
Esseri stated that these individuals are tied to a group called the Black Lotus Cult, which operates under the Turtle Island Liberation Front. He described this organization as having similarities to Antifa and noted its inclination towards political violence.
In September, Trump signed an executive order aimed at reducing violence associated with far-left organizations, which he characterized as domestic terrorist entities. Authorities mentioned that the suspects had intended to target a U.S. business in California with explosives on New Year’s Eve. Esseri classified the group as “far left,” indicating they had also discussed potential attacks on ICE agents and government vehicles.
Esseri mentioned that prior to the Trump administration, the FBI did not take these groups very seriously. He highlighted that the agency is currently focused on identifying and dismantling them, assuring the public that all federal resources are being utilized for this purpose. He also pointed out that the executive order afforded law enforcement the necessary time to deploy undercover agents, facilitating real-time monitoring of the group’s plans.
Prosecutors have stated that the suspects tested explosives, exchanged detailed bomb-making instructions, and communicated via encrypted messaging apps. Esseri concluded by remarking, “They may appear silly, but they’re actually quite serious and sophisticated.”
