Siblings Indicted in Alleged IED Plot at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, One Suspect Believed to Have Fled to China
Alen Zheng and his sister, Ann Mary Zheng, have been indicted in connection with a possible improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly planted at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. MacDill is home to CENTCOM and U.S. Special Operations Command.
On March 16, 2026, a suspicious package was discovered outside the Visitor Control Center at the Dale Mabry Gate of MacDill, which appeared to have “possible energetic materials.”
Following the discovery, the gate and nearby roads were shut down for about 6–7 hours while first responders and the FBI investigated. The device was described as potentially “very deadly” if it had detonated, though it did not explode.
The base raised its threat level to FPCON Charlie (the second-highest force protection condition, indicating a serious incident has occurred) and implemented heightened security.
On March 26, 2026, federal prosecutors unsealed indictments against the pair. Alen, who has allegedly already fled to China, is accused of planting the device.
He faces charges including:
- Attempted damage to government property by fire or explosion
- Unlawful making of a destructive device
- Possession of an unregistered destructive device
- He is currently believed to be in China and remains at large.
His sister is facing charges of accessory after the fact and tampering with evidence.
The FBI said Alen Zheng, who is believed to have planted the device, is currently in China. He is facing charges of attempted damage to government property by fire or explosion, unlawful making of a destructive device and possession of an unregistered destructive device.
FBI Tampa also arrested his sister, Ann Mary Zheng, who is charged with accessory after the fact and tampering with evidence.
She is accused of hiding or damaging a 2010 Mercedes-Benz to prevent its use in legal proceedings, court documents show.
FBI Director Kash Patel shared, “An IED was placed at MacDill Air Force Base – home to CENTCOM and U.S. Special Operations Command.”
“A brother and sister have now been indicted. One is in custody for accessory and evidence tampering and the primary suspect is charged with explosives offenses and is currently in China.”
“This FBI, working with our partners, will continue pursuing all those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice, no matter where they are.”
An IED was placed at MacDill Air Force Base – home to CENTCOM and U.S. Special Operations Command.
A brother and sister have now been indicted. One is in custody for accessory and evidence tampering and the primary suspect is charged with explosives offenses and is currently… pic.twitter.com/am6YWbgZCt
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) March 26, 2026
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