Tampa, Florida – Alen Zheng (20, Land O’Lakes) has been charged by indictment with attempted damage of government property by fire or explosion, unlawful making of a destructive device, and possession of an unregistered destructive device. If convicted, Zheng faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment and statements made in court, on the evening of March 10, 2026, Zheng unsuccessfully attempted to detonate an improvised explosive device at the MacDill Airforce Base Visitor’s Center in Tampa. Law enforcement later discovered the device, ensured it was safely disassembled, and determined it to be an improvised explosive device.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Joint Terrorism Task Force. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Stoia and David P. Sullivan.
Indictment
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office — Middle District of Florida — U.S. Department of Justice press release.