FBI Charges Siblings Over Explosive Device Near MacDill Air Force Base
In a dramatic turn of events, two siblings are facing federal charges after an explosive device was discovered at the entrance of MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. The incident led to swift action from law enforcement, culminating in the arrest of Ann Mary Zheng upon her return from China, while her brother, Alen Zheng, remains overseas.
Prosecutors have revealed that both Alen Zheng, 20, and Ann Mary Zheng, 27, are U.S. citizens and were charged in separate federal indictments. The pair had traveled to China shortly after the device was planted. “If you threaten to harm somebody or if you harm somebody in the Middle District of Florida, you will be brought to task,” emphasized U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe at a press briefing.
Alen Zheng faces a potential 40-year sentence for allegedly attempting to damage government property and possessing the explosive device. His sister, Ann Mary, could face up to 30 years if found guilty of witness tampering and acting as an accessory after the fact, particularly for allegedly selling the vehicle used in the incident.
Investigations rapidly unfolded after a suspicious package was located at the base on March 16. The device, however, had been placed on March 10. It was Alen Zheng who reportedly made a 911 call to alert authorities. Despite a search by Air Force personnel, the device was not immediately found.
Following their quick departure to China, authorities tracked the siblings through phone records and surveillance footage. They discovered their SUV at a CarMax location, which had been cleaned but still contained explosive residue. Evidence was further strengthened when agents found components for an explosive device at the family’s residence.
Alen Zheng’s potential ties to foreign governments remain under scrutiny. Kehoe noted there is no immediate evidence linking him to any foreign government activities, including China. Efforts are underway to extradite him to the U.S. for prosecution.
The base, home to the U.S. Central Command, continues to be on high alert due to ongoing military concerns in the Middle East and beyond. Another individual was arrested for making threatening phone calls to the base, although no connection to the Zheng case has been established.
