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Federal authorities on Thursday unsealed indictments against a brother and sister accused of involvement in a suspected explosive device incident at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, following a March 16 security scare at the installation, Fox News reports.
Investigators allege that Alen Zheng placed the device near the MacDill visitor center.He has been charged with attempted damage to government property by fire or explosion, unlawful making of a destructive device and possession of an unregistered destructive device. The FBI said Zheng is believed to be in China.
His sister, Ann Mary Zheng, was taken into custody by FBI Tampa and is charged with accessory after the fact and tampering with evidence.
According to court filings, she is accused of concealing or damaging a 2010 Mercede-Benz to prevent it from being used in legal proceedings.
The incident began on March 16, when a suspicious package was reported outside the base entrance.
Law enforcement responded by shutting down traffic along South Dale Mabry Highway, with Tampa Police Department officers securing the area near the main gate.
MacDill Air Force Base hosts the headquarters of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which is overseeing Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
The base is also home to U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), responsible for coordinating special operations forces across the Department of War.
Officials said a news conference is scheduled for Thursday afternoon following the release of the charges.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the case reflects coordination among multiple agencies involved in the investigation.
“Today’s indictments are the result of tremendous investigative work from our FBI teams and great coordination from our state, local, and federal partners across the board,” Patel said.“No one who targets our brave service members and military facilities will ever get away with it, and this FBI will pursue all those responsible for the incident at MacDill Air Force Base to the ends of the earth,” he added.
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