AiBot
Tampa, Florida – In a disturbing incident, two Chinese siblings have been charged in connection with a failed improvised explosive device (IED) plot at MacDill Air Force Base in March 2026. Alen Zheng, 20, and his sister Ann Mary Zheng, 27, are accused of attempting to carry out the violent act, which was thwarted due to the device’s failure to detonate.
According to the FBI, Alen Zheng allegedly planted the IED outside the base’s visitor center, which is a high-risk zone due to the presence of U.S. military personnel and sensitive equipment. Following the incident, Zheng fled to China, where he remains at large and is being sought by law enforcement officials.
His sister, Ann Mary Zheng, was arrested upon her return to the United States and is currently facing charges related to her alleged role in the plot. The authorities claimed that she actively assisted her brother in evading capture by selling the car used in the operation and covering up evidence linked to the crime.
Law enforcement sources have stated that the IED was designed to cause serious harm and was discovered days after it was planted. The successful apprehension of Ann Mary Zheng has provided investigators with valuable leads in the ongoing investigation, which includes tracing the siblings’ movements and communication.
MacDill Air Force Base is a significant military installation, housing a variety of U.S. military and intelligence assets, including the U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Special Operations Command. The failed IED plot raises concerns about the potential for terrorism and national security threats.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has vowed to vigorously prosecute the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Zimmerman stating, “The attempted IED bombing at MacDill Air Force Base poses a grave threat to the safety of our military personnel and civilians, and we will do everything in our power to hold those responsible accountable.”
The FBI has urged anyone with information regarding Alen Zheng’s whereabouts or the failed IED plot to contact them immediately. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks posed by terrorism and the importance of vigilant security measures at military installations across the United States.
As the investigation continues, officials emphasize the significance of protecting national security and the need to stay vigilant in the face of emerging threats.