Federal authorities announced on Wednesday that five men have been charged in connection with an alleged plot to attack government officials and other attendees at a major Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event held on the White House grounds last week. The Justice Department stated that the suspects were arrested in a multi-state operation after investigators uncovered what officials described as a coordinated plan to carry out a mass-casualty attack during the UFC Freedom 250 event on June 14.
"law enforcement acted swiftly to disrupt the alleged plot and prevent violence." — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
According to court documents, the alleged conspiracy involved plans to use drones equipped with explosives to create panic and force an evacuation, before armed attackers targeted high-profile individuals fleeing the venue. The defendants were 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. Prosecutors allege the men communicated through encrypted messaging platforms while planning the attack.
Federal investigators said the FBI became aware of a potential threat on June 10 and launched an urgent investigation involving law enforcement agencies across several states. Authorities said arrests were carried out over the weekend in Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska, and California, effectively disrupting the alleged plan before it could be executed. The swift action by law enforcement prevented what officials suggested could have been a significant security breach and a violent incident on federal property.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche praised the efforts of federal agents and prosecutors, stating, "law enforcement acted swiftly to disrupt the alleged plot and prevent violence." FBI Director Kash Patel described the investigation as an example of the agency’s ability to identify and respond to threats against public gatherings and government officials, underscoring the critical role of intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation in national security.
Charging documents allege that Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, operating under the online alias “Shepherd,” was identified by investigators as the suspected organizer of the operation. Prosecutors contend that Alvarez coordinated logistics, identified potential attack positions, and encouraged other members to acquire explosive-equipped drones. This alleged leadership role highlights a sophisticated level of planning and coordination among the group members, suggesting a deeper network than initially perceived.
Further details from the investigation indicate that Tycen C. Proper admitted during an interview that members of the group had discussed attacking the UFC event and had been communicating since at least March. This timeline suggests a prolonged period of planning and development for the alleged plot. Proper also allegedly accumulated firearms, ammunition, and tactical equipment, while additionally identifying potential targets, including members of Congress. The targeting of elected officials elevates the gravity of the alleged plot, pointing to intentions beyond general chaos.
Federal agents executing search warrants at the homes of Bryan Omar Roa, Michael Alan Thomas, and Daniel K. Eskridge reportedly recovered firearms, ammunition, tactical gear, and electronic evidence. These recoveries are consistent with the alleged plans for an armed assault and provide material support to the prosecution's claims. Prosecutors further allege that online conversations included discussions about acquiring drones, explosives, and sniper positions around the event, indicating a detailed understanding of the venue's layout and potential vulnerabilities.
Court filings also indicate that encrypted chats included references to attacking infrastructure and conducting what participants described as "guerrilla-style operations." This suggests a broader ideological motivation or intent to cause widespread disruption beyond the immediate event. The nature of these alleged discussions raises concerns about the potential for domestic extremism and the methods employed by groups seeking to undermine public safety and government functions.
The Justice Department emphasized that the charges remain allegations and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. If convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, each defendant could face a maximum sentence of life in prison and fines of up to $250,000. Additional charges related to violence on White House grounds carry potential prison terms of up to five years. The investigation remains ongoing, and federal authorities stated that additional information could be released as the case proceeds through the courts, promising continued scrutiny and legal proceedings.
