Two siblings, Alen Zheng and Ann Mary Zheng, have been charged in connection with an improvised explosive device (IED) found at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. According to multiple reports, Alen Zheng allegedly planted the bomb on March 10 and fled to China, while his sister was arrested for aiding him.
Key Takeaways
Two siblings have been charged in connection with an improvised explosive device found at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. Alen Zheng allegedly planted the bomb and fled to China, while his sister Ann Mary Zheng was arrested for aiding him.
- Alen Zheng indicted on three counts related to planting a bomb at MacDill Air Force Base
- Sister Ann Mary Zheng charged with evidence tampering and accessory after the fact
- Bomb discovered March 16, four days after it was planted
- Device could have been potentially deadly but did not detonate
- FBI investigating case; no extradition treaty with China
Alen Zheng faces three counts: attempted damage of government property by fire or explosion, unlawfully making a destructive device, and possessing an unregistered destructive device. His sister Ann Mary Zheng has been charged with one count each of evidence tampering and accessory after the fact for helping her brother flee and destroy evidence.
The bomb was discovered on March 16 in the base's visitor center, four days after it was planted. Investigators found residue matching the explosive in a vehicle used by the Zhengs, which they sold before fleeing to China. The device did not detonate but could have been potentially deadly, according to U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe.
MacDill Air Force Base is home to several critical commands, including U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command. The base plays a crucial role in ongoing operations in the Middle East and elsewhere. The FBI is investigating the case, although there is no official extradition treaty with China.
Ann Mary Zheng was arrested upon her return to the United States on March 17, while Alen Zheng remains at large in China. Investigators tied Alen Zheng to the phone used to place a 911 call reporting the bomb and found components consistent with the device at his home.
How this summary was created
This summary synthesizes reporting from 3 independent publishers using AI. All sources are cited and linked below. NewsBalance is a news aggregator and media literacy tool, not a news publisher. AI-generated content may contain errors or inaccuracies — always verify important information with the original sources.