The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced the arrest of five men accused of plotting an attack on a UFC event held at the White House during President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday celebration.
According to the US Department of Justice, the suspects allegedly planned a coordinated assault involving explosive-laden drones, sniper teams and armed attackers targeting the high-profile event attended by thousands of people.
Authorities identified the suspects as Tycen Proper of Ohio, Bryan Roa and Michael Thomas of California, Daniel Eskridge of Missouri, and Abraham Alvarez of Nebraska. All five have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder.
Investigators said the alleged plan involved using drones loaded with explosives to strike nearby buildings and create panic among attendees. Court documents claim the suspects intended to drive fleeing crowds toward sniper positions targeting what they described as “high-value targets.
”Prosecutors further alleged that a second wave of attackers planned to storm the White House gates during the confusion.The alleged plot was uncovered after Proper’s mother contacted local authorities on June 10, expressing concerns over her son’s firearm purchases and online communications. An FBI investigation subsequently led to the discovery of encrypted messages and planning discussions among the group.
According to court filings, the suspects communicated through a TikTok group known as “Vanguard of the Old Republic” before moving discussions to the encrypted messaging platform Signal.Federal authorities said members of the group allegedly expressed anti-government and extremist views and discussed targeting politicians, wealthy individuals and prominent public figures.
Court documents also revealed that investigators recovered maps of Washington, D.C., showing alleged sniper positions, drone launch sites and potential infrastructure targets, including power grids.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the operation as a successful effort to prevent a major attack, saying authorities had stopped the alleged plan before it could be carried out.The White House UFC event took place on Sunday and attracted more than 4,000 invited guests, with tens of thousands more gathering nearby to watch the fights.
The investigation remains ongoing as federal prosecutors prepare their case against the suspects.
