A brother and sister face federal charges after an improvised explosive device was discovered at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, home to CENTCOM and U.S. Special Operations Command. The primary suspect has fled to China while his sister remains in custody for helping conceal evidence.

Device Discovered at Critical Military Installation

On March 16, 2026, security personnel discovered a suspicious package outside the Visitor Control Center at MacDill’s Dale Mabry Gate. The device contained possible energetic materials and could have been deadly if detonated, according to investigators. The discovery prompted a six-to-seven-hour shutdown of the gate and surrounding roads while FBI agents and first responders secured the scene. Base commanders immediately raised the threat level to FPCON Charlie, the second-highest force protection condition reserved for serious security incidents.

🚨 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

Primary Suspect Flees to China

Federal prosecutors unsealed indictments against Alen Zheng and Ann Mary Zheng on March 26, 2026. Alen Zheng, accused of planting the explosive device, faces charges of attempted damage to government property by fire or explosion, unlawful making of a destructive device, and possession of an unregistered destructive device. Authorities believe he fled the country and is currently in China. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the bureau will pursue all those responsible regardless of their location.

Sister Arrested for Evidence Tampering

FBI Tampa arrested Ann Mary Zheng on charges of accessory after the fact and tampering with evidence. Court documents reveal she allegedly hid or damaged a 2010 Mercedes-Benz to prevent its use in legal proceedings. She remains in federal custody while her brother stays at large overseas. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full scope of the alleged plot and any additional conspirators.

Threat to Critical Command Centers

MacDill Air Force Base serves as headquarters for both U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, making it one of America’s most strategically important military installations. The facility oversees military operations across the Middle East, Central Asia, and Northeast Africa. Any attack on the base could have compromised national security operations and endangered personnel coordinating critical missions worldwide. The FBI continues investigating the motives behind the alleged plot and whether the suspects acted alone or received assistance from foreign entities.