Federal investigators say they disrupted an alleged multi-state plot targeting UFC Freedom 250, the White House mixed martial arts event held on Sunday, after court filings unsealed Tuesday outlined claims that five men discussed using explosive-laden drones and firearms to attack the crowd.
The Justice Department said the men were charged after law enforcement moved quickly to investigate a threat it first learned about on June 10, four days before the event on the White House South Lawn.
The event, officially billed by UFC as UFC Freedom 250, took place on Sunday, June 14, as part of President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday celebration and the run-up to the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Officials said the alleged plot was stopped before the fight card began, following a fast-moving FBI and partner-agency operation across several states.
According to the unsealed filings, the suspects allegedly used encrypted messaging services such as Signal and a TikTok group to communicate about a plan tied to fringe conspiracy beliefs and to a desire to “jumpstart” a revolution.
Prosecutors say the alleged scheme involved drones carrying explosives being used to create chaos at the White House event, with the aim of forcing a panicked evacuation and directing attendees toward gunmen waiting nearby.
Investigators say the group also shared aerial images and maps of the site and discussed securing a “safe house” and escape routes after the attack.
Authorities say the investigation intensified after an Ohio mother contacted police on June 10 over concerns about her 19-year-old son, Tycen Proper, after noticing troubling online activity and recent gun purchases.
Proper was arrested over the weekend along with four others in Missouri, Nebraska, and California. Investigators say firearms and body armor were recovered during the raids.
Federal filings allege Proper admitted to taking part in the planning and told investigators he had been preparing to move a cache of weapons to a meeting point in Virginia.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised the operation, writing on social media:
“Thanks to the rapid action of the FBI, our partners, and the Department of Justice in a multi-state operation, multiple individuals are now in custody and allegedly planned attacks were stopped cold.”
The defendants have been identified as Tycen Proper, 19, Bryan Omar Roa, 24, Michael Alan Thomas, 32, Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, and Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31. They remain in federal custody and face serious allegations including conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder of government employees.
While the alleged plot has raised alarm among federal officials, UFC Freedom 250 went ahead as planned on Sunday, with the event reportedly proceeding safely and most attendees unaware of the investigation unfolding behind the scenes.