Five Arrested in Plot Targeting White House UFC Event
Federal authorities say a group of five men conspired online to attack a UFC event on the White House lawn, with additional suspects still at large.
Federal investigators have charged five men with conspiring to carry out an attack on a UFC event held on the White House lawn. The suspects, identified as Tycen C. Proper, 19, of Ohio; Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of California; Michael Alan Thomas, 32, of California; Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, of Missouri; and Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, of Nebraska, are accused of planning to use firearms, drones loaded with explosives, and snipers to target the crowd and high-profile individuals.
"This is still an active, ongoing investigation. Just because we’re done with Freedom 250 or that particular event doesn’t mean we’re going to stop. There are still suspects at large. We’re going to work it until everyone’s been identified," said Matthew Quinn, deputy director of the Secret Service.
The FBI says it first learned of the threat four days before the event after Proper’s mother reported his online activities to police. Proper allegedly spent $3,000 of his graduation money on an AR-style rifle, ammunition, and protective gear, and was hospitalized for “homicidal ideations” before being taken into custody in Knox County, Ohio. He now faces charges including conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, attempted murder of a federal officer, and illegal firearm possession.
According to a federal complaint, the group—calling themselves the “Vanguard of the Old”—communicated via TikTok and later the encrypted app Signal. Members claimed “ex-military, Christian-based” identities and expressed anti-government sentiments. The alleged plan involved meeting in Fredericksburg, Virginia, staging a demonstration on the north side of the White House, launching explosive-laden drones, and then using snipers to fire on fleeing attendees and designated political figures.
Investigators say other members discussed potential targets such as President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and several members of Congress. Search warrants executed in California, Missouri and Nebraska uncovered rifles, handguns, ammunition, tactical equipment and communications outlining the proposed operation.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy to commit murder, with additional penalties for violent acts on White House grounds.
