A man who has since fled to China faces charges for placing a homemade explosive device (IED) outside the visitor center at a Florida military base that accommodates US Central Command, which is currently leading the joint US-Israeli military effort against Iran.
During a press conference yesterday, Gregory W. Kehoe, the US Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, provided details on how investigators believe Alen Zheng positioned the IED at the base and how his sister, Ann Mary Zheng, assisted him in covering up the crime and escaping to China.
Kehoe stated that there is currently no evidence linking a foreign nation to the incident, and investigators are still exploring Zheng’s potential motives.
According to prosecutors, Zheng made a 911 call shortly after placing the explosive device on March 10, reporting a bomb at MacDill Air Force Base but failing to specify its location.
The base underwent a search, however, no device was discovered until March 16, six days later, when the IED was located in a remote area near the visitor center. Federal law enforcement assessed the explosive and confirmed it was functional, though officials did not clarify why it did not detonate.
By the time the device was found, both Zheng and his sister had already fled to China. Investigators tracked the 911 call back to a phone Zheng had bought from Best Buy. They also discovered explosive materials in his residence and residue from the IED in the vehicle he used for transport.
Zheng has been charged with three counts, including manufacturing an explosive device and attempting to damage government property. His sister returned to the US on March 17 and was subsequently arrested and charged with allegedly aiding Zheng’s escape and selling the car he used.
“Why she returned, I cannot say,” Kehoe remarked. She pleaded not guilty to the charges yesterday, according to court documents.
The siblings are US citizens, Kehoe noted, although he was uncertain about any dual citizenship they may hold. He mentioned that during interviews with Ann Mary Zheng and their unnamed mother, both admitted to being aware of Zheng’s actions regarding the device.
Zheng’s mother is currently “in custody for deportation,” Kehoe stated, as she has overstayed her visa.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong