From Fox News: A brother and sister have been indicted in connection with the placement of a possible explosive device at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, Fox News Digital has learned.
The FBI said Alen Zheng, who is believed to have planted the device, is currently in China. He is facing charges of attempted damage to government property by fire or explosion, unlawful making of a destructive device and possession of an unregistered destructive device.
FBI Tampa also arrested his sister, Ann Mary Zheng, who is charged with accessory after the fact and tampering with evidence.
She is accused of hiding or damaging a 2010 Mercedes-Benz to prevent its use in legal proceedings, court documents show.
A suspicious device was found outside the MacDill visitor center on March 16. Officials have determined the device was planted on the base on March 10.
FBI Tampa had announced on March 18, “This is an #FBI Tampa investigative update to the suspicious package found on March 16 outside MacDill AFB Visitor Center: Field screening was conducted on the contents of the package and identified possible energetic materials. Final lab analysis is not yet complete. The investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details can be shared at this time.”
This is an #FBI Tampa investigative update to the suspicious package found on March 16 outside MacDill AFB Visitor Center: Field screening was conducted on the contents of the package and identified possible energetic materials. Final lab analysis is not yet complete. The… pic.twitter.com/IcMO4fvlME
— FBI Tampa (@FBITampa) March 18, 2026
FBI Director Kash Patel announced on X Thursday afternoon:
An IED was placed at MacDill Air Force Base – home to CENTCOM and U.S. Special Operations Command.
A brother and sister have now been indicted. One is in custody for accessory and evidence tampering and the primary suspect is charged with explosives offenses and is currently in China.
This FBI, working with our partners, will continue pursuing all those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice, no matter where they are.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) March 26, 2026
Fox News explains that MacDill Air Force Base houses the headquarters of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which is currently handling Operation Epic Fury against Iran, and is also home to U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), which oversees all special operations forces across the Department of War.
Thursday afternoon, U.S. Attorney General Gregory Kehoe and FBI Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor, along with other officials, provided an update on the alarming case.
WATCH BELOW:
READ MORE from Fox News.
Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter.)
The DML News App: www.X.com/DMLNewsApp
The Dennis Michael Lynch Podcast archive is available below, with the most recent on top. Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the show by downloading The DML News App or go to Apple Podcasts.
