TAMPA, Fla. — The Department of Justice (DOJ) for the Middle District of Florida released more information on the man prosecutors said built and placed a bomb outside of MacDill Air Force Base on March 10.
Prosecutors said 20-year-old Alen Zheng built and placed an improvised explosive device (IED) outside the base's visitor center. His 27-year-old sister, Ann Mary Zheng, is accused of helping him cover his tracks and flee to China.
WATCH: DOJ releases photo of MacDill IED suspect who prosecutors say fled to China
“This person is dangerous,” said Richard Kolko, a retired FBI special agent.
The IED was found at the base on March 16. Ann Mary was booked into the Pinellas County Jail on March 26 on charges of tampering with evidence and accessory after the fact.
Suspect may remain in China
In court documents filed on April 3, the DOJ said agents found photographs of a form titled "Accommodation Registration Form for Person’s From Abroad" for Alen Zheng — allowing him to stay in China until 2028.
The FBI said it is working to bring Alen back to the U.S., which does not have an extradition treaty with China.
Kolko said while the FBI can coordinate with officials overseas, cooperation may be limited.
“They’ll ask the Chinese officials for help in this case,” Kolko said. “It’s likely they won’t get much help.”
Still, he emphasized the case will remain active regardless of how long Zheng stays abroad.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a month from now, 10 years from now, or 30 years from now,” Kolko said. “Those charges will stay in place.”
Alen faces federal charges of attempted damage of government property by fire or explosion, unlawful making of a destructive device, and possession of an unregistered destructive device. If convicted, he could face a minimum of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison.
Questions remain about possible accomplices
According to prosecutors, Zheng used two two-liter Cherry Pepsi bottles to construct the device. Surveillance video reportedly shows him driving it onto MacDill.
Investigators are now working to determine whether he acted alone.
Authorities are expected to analyze his “digital footprint,” including phones, computers, and other devices, to see if anyone else may have known about or supported the plan.
Experts: Little time to stop attack
The device was not discovered until six days later, raising concerns about security.
"They're going to have to, update those policies and procedures. They don't want to get caught again, with something like this, and with MacDill remaining a high-risk target, it's important that they, do take these steps, Kolko said.
And, Craig Gundry, a security expert with decades of experience in counterterrorism, said the delay likely did not change the outcome.
“The timeframe in which this event went down … was very short,” Gundry said.
Court records state Zheng attempted to light the fuse, but the device did not detonate.
Gundry explained that many improvised explosive devices use short-delay fuses.
“When you’re talking about a time delay fuse in an IED, you’re typically talking about under 60 seconds,” he said. “That does not provide substantial time to recognize a threat and respond.”
He added that layered security — including surveillance, screening, and trained observers — is critical in detecting suspicious behavior before an attack unfolds.
Sister accused of helping suspect flee
Ann Mary Zheng was booked into the Pinellas County Jail on March 26. During a court hearing on March 31, prosecutors revealed Ann Mary used ChatGPT to help her brother escape.
Court documents also show she may have tried to get rid of key evidence. Investigators say she asked ChatGPT whether a 2010 Mercedes SUV could be tracked — then sold the vehicle to CarMax the very next day for $5,000.
FBI agents later located and seized the SUV. Despite signs it had been recently cleaned, they say they still found residue consistent with materials used in the explosive device.
Officials say the siblings fled to China two days after the bomb was planted. Ann Mary later returned to the U.S., while Alen Zheng remained overseas
Her next court date is scheduled for April 14.
“See something, say something”
Experts say the case underscores the importance of public vigilance.
Their message: If you see something suspicious, report it.
This is a developing story. Tampa Bay 28 will provide more details as they become available.
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