April 2, 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 Report Finds Malibu School District Proposal Fails to Meet Standards: SMMUSD

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

The LACOE feasibility study stems from a 2017 petition by the City of Malibu to form its own school district...

Nonprofit Warns of Heavy Metal Contamination in Santa Monica Bay

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

The contamination is linked to storm runoff carrying toxic debris from burned structures and scorched land in the Palisades, Topanga,...

(Video) Spending an Afternoon at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

Go To Pacpark.com For Tickets and More Information. Go To https://t.co/PUWlOc89JQ For Tickets and More Information.#amusementpark #rides #rollercoaster #summer #spring...

Matū Kai to Debut in Brentwood With Grass Fed Wagyu and Global Flair This Week

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

Farm-To-Fork Beef, Wood-Fired Flavors, and Sustainability Meet on San Vicente The team behind Beverly Hills’ acclaimed steakhouse Matū will soon...

USC Launches Free Soil Testing to Assess Post-Fire Contamination

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

Residents Can Submit Samples to Check for Lead and Other Toxins A new program led by researchers at the University...

Los Angeles County’s Measure A Raises Sales Tax On April 1, And It’s No Joke

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Culver City, and Malibu Will See Higher Increases Starting April 1, Los Angeles County residents will...

Malibu Schedules Two Key Public Meetings for Wildfire Recovery and Insurance Guidance

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

City Officials to Provide Technical Support and Insurance Market Updates at Two Meetings Malibu residents affected by recent wildfires are...

Santa Monica Launches Public Search for New City Manager

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

Nationwide Job Posting Seeks Leader to Guide City’s Future The City of Santa Monica has officially launched a nationwide search...

Palisades Youth Soccer Team Fundraises to Compete in Sweden Tournament

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

The team is raising funds through GoFundMe, with donations aimed at covering travel costs, accommodations, and fees A youth soccer...

Seven-Bedroom Venice Pad on Shell Ave. Hits Market at Under $7M

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

The home sits on a 5,740-square-foot lot and includes a two-car garage A newly listed property in Venice, featuring modern...

School of Rock Students Shine in Winter Performance Despite Widespread Fires

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

Summer Camp Registration Opens Now By Susan Payne Wildfire devastation wreaked havoc in areas of Los Angeles this January with...

City Approves Redevelopment Deal for Civic Auditorium

March 30, 2025

March 30, 2025

Officials said the next phase of the process includes site analyses to assess redevelopment viability The Santa Monica City Council...

SM.a.r.t. Column: Smart Home Systems and IoT Sensors: The New Frontline Against Wildfires

March 30, 2025

March 30, 2025

In a world where wildfire threats grow more ominous each year, a technological revolution is quietly unfolding at the intersection...

Former Married… With Children Actress Found Dead in Malibu Mansion

March 30, 2025

March 30, 2025

Homicide Detectives Review Death of CSI Miami and ER Actress Authorities are investigating the death of 58-year-old actress Cindyana Santangelo,...

New Deadline, More Access: LA County Debris Program Expands Scope, Extends Signup

March 30, 2025

March 30, 2025

Officials Broaden Scope to Help More Residents, Encourage Early Submission Los Angeles County officials have announced that FEMA has agreed...