In brief
An explosive device was discovered outside MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa earlier this month, leading to federal charges against Alen Zheng and his sister Ann Mary Zheng. Alen faces charges for attempting to damage government property and unlawfully making a destructive device, while Ann is charged with witness tampering. Alen has fled to China, and the investigation follows a similar threat made by another individual earlier in the week.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Federal charges were filed against a brother and sister following the discovery of an explosive device outside the gate of MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. The FBI’s investigation commenced after the device was found on March 16, prompting a thorough response due to the base's significant military operations led by U.S. Central Command, which oversees missions across the Middle East and parts of Asia.Alen Zheng, 20, is accused of attempting to damage government property, unlawfully making a destructive device, and possessing an unregistered destructive device. His sister, Ann Mary Zheng, 27, is charged with witness tampering and being an accessory after the fact related to her brother's case. While Ann is in custody, Alen is reportedly on the run in China, as indicated by FBI director Kash Patel.Online court records currently do not show any legal representation for either sibling.The situation escalated earlier this week with another incident involving a man who was arrested for making threatening phone calls to the base. However, officials have not connected him with the Zheng siblings' case.MacDill Air Force Base remains on alert due to potential threats, particularly heightened in light of rising tensions in the region.
