July 13, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Terrorist Who Wanted to Carry Out Attack at Santa Monica Pier Arrested

Federal authorities arrest Mark Steven Domingo

By Sam Catanzaro

Federal authorities have thwarted a major terrorist threat targeting various Southern California locations, including Santa Monica Pier, according to the Department of Justice.

On Friday, April 26, 26-year-old Mark Steven Domingo of Reseda was arrested by federal authorities in connection to a terror plot to detonate a bomb with the intention of causing mass casualties. Domingo, a former U.S. Army infantryman who served in Afghanistan, had planned on detonating a bomb at a white supremacist rally this past weekend in Long Beach before he was arrested by the FBI.

“Mr. Domingo said he wanted to kill Jews as they walked to synagogue. At other times he said he wanted to kill and target police officers, attack a military facility or attack crowds at the Santa Monica Pier,” said Nick Hanna, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California.

According to federal authorities, Domingo is an ISIS sympathizer who was intent on targeting Jews, police, popular tourist destinations and Los Angeles freeways.

Domingo was arrested Friday night after receiving what he thought was a live bomb but was instead an inert explosive device delivered by an undercover law enforcement officer. The operation that led to the arrest of Domingo was part of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

According to the affidavit, Domingo had purchased three-inch nails to be used as shrapnel inside the bomb. The affidavit states that Domingo said he specifically bought three-inch nails because they would be long enough to penetrate the human body and puncture internal organs.

“Domingo, a former U.S. Army Infantryman, wanted to use improvised explosive devices against innocent civilians and he selected components that would make the bombs even more deadly to the victims he targeted,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “His arrest (Friday) mitigates the threat he posed to others in the Los Angeles community. I want to thank the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this investigation and arrest.”

It was an FBI undercover operative to which Domingo provide the nails to for use in the construction of the bomb, according to federal authorities.

Domingo was placed under surveillance by federal authorities after pledging allegiance to ISIS and posting online rants concerning the killings of Muslims in New Zealand mosques last month.

“At no time was the public in danger and there is currently no known threat to public safety. I’m very proud of the agents and officers assigned to the Joint Terrorism Task Force who diligently marshaled the resources of our law enforcement partners in a short period of time and in doing so, ensured the safety of Southern California residents,” Paul Delacourt, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.

<>Related Posts

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica Pier Arson Incidents

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The suspect, matching video footage from an arcade, was taken into custody Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a suspect...

SMPD Launch New Recruitment Website Amid High Vacancy Rates

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The site features multimedia content, including day-in-the-life videos and officer profiles, highlighting the impact of serving the community The Santa...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Santa Monica Joins Regional Lawsuit to Halt Unconstitutional ICE Raids

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The motion to intervene seeks to ensure that Santa Monica and other plaintiff-intervenors can advocate for their residents’ rights in...