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.
Hellbound and Down 