WASHINGTON — Federal authorities have arrested five individuals accused of participating in an alleged plot to attack a high-profile Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event held at the White House, according to court documents unsealed this week.
Investigators say the suspects discussed carrying out a coordinated assault involving explosives-equipped drones and firearms during the gathering, which attracted thousands of spectators and featured heightened security measures. The arrests followed a multi-state law enforcement operation that officials say prevented a potentially deadly attack.
The case remains under active investigation as authorities continue examining the activities of additional individuals linked to the alleged conspiracy.
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FBI and Law Enforcement Agencies Disrupt Alleged Attack Plan
According to court filings, investigators uncovered conversations among members of an online group who allegedly discussed targeting the UFC event on the White House South Lawn. Authorities claim the suspects exchanged maps, photographs of the area and messages outlining operational plans.
The documents allege that participants considered deploying drones carrying explosive devices before opening fire on crowds attempting to flee the area. Investigators also reviewed communications discussing possible escape routes following the planned attack.
Federal authorities said evidence recovered during the investigation included firearms, ammunition, encrypted messages and digital records connected to the alleged scheme.
Multi-State Operation Leads to Arrests
Law enforcement agencies coordinated arrests in several states after receiving information about the potential threat days before the event.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated that authorities became aware of the alleged plot shortly before the UFC gathering and moved quickly to identify and apprehend those involved.
The Secret Service also confirmed its cooperation throughout the investigation, emphasizing that protecting national leaders and attendees remained a top priority during the event.
Security Presence Intensified Around White House Event
The UFC event drew significant public attention and was held under extensive security measures in and around the White House complex.
Road closures, security fencing and a large deployment of federal, state and local law enforcement personnel were visible throughout the weekend. Authorities maintained strict crowd-control operations as thousands gathered near the venue.
The event featured 14 fighters competing beneath a large structure known as “The Claw,” positioned close to the White House grounds.
Officials noted that the gathering was organized as part of celebrations connected to America’s 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
Investigators Examine Suspects’ Online Activity
Court documents indicate that several individuals involved in the case allegedly communicated through encrypted online platforms.
Authorities claim some participants expressed extremist beliefs, promoted fringe conspiracy theories and made antisemitic remarks during online discussions.
Investigators are also examining allegations that members of the group shared information about potential targets and discussed preparations for violent actions.
Families Reported Concerning Behavioral Changes
A notable aspect of the investigation involves family members who reportedly alerted authorities about troubling behavior displayed by some of the suspects.
Law enforcement officials said relatives expressed concerns regarding increased weapons purchases, interactions with unfamiliar online groups and statements that appeared to endorse violence.
Investigators believe these warnings helped authorities intervene before any attack could occur.
Ohio Suspect Accused of Stockpiling Weapons and Ammunition
One of the individuals arrested was identified as 19-year-old Tycen Proper of Ohio.
According to court records, local authorities were contacted by Proper’s mother, who expressed concern about her son’s recent behavior, online communications and firearms purchases.
When officers responded to the residence, they reportedly discovered thousands of rounds of ammunition along with multiple firearms, including an assault-style rifle and a recently acquired bullpup rifle.
Authorities stated that Proper was later taken to a hospital for emergency evaluation after concerns emerged regarding alleged violent thoughts and statements.
Online Group Allegedly Influenced Suspect
Court filings indicate that Proper’s family told investigators he had recently become involved with an online group whose members claimed military backgrounds and promoted Christian-based beliefs.
Following his arrest, authorities say Proper provided information regarding usernames associated with encrypted group chats under investigation.
Federal agents are continuing efforts to identify and evaluate additional participants connected to those communications.
Missouri Man Accused of Preparing Safe House
Another suspect, 32-year-old Daniel Eskridge of Missouri, was charged after authorities searched his residence.
Investigators allege that messages reviewed during the investigation showed Eskridge discussing preparations to host members of the group at his property.
Court documents claim he described his garage as a potential safe house and referenced constructing a bunker beneath a storage structure on his property.
Authorities believe these conversations formed part of broader planning efforts connected to the alleged conspiracy.
Court Documents Reference Potential Target List
Investigators also arrested Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, who is accused of sharing a screenshot containing names or references believed to represent potential targets.
According to the FBI, entries listed in the image may have referred to President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and businessman Elon Musk.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed further details regarding the alleged target list as the investigation remains ongoing.
Additional Arrests Made in California
Federal agents also arrested Bryan Omar Roa and Michael Alan Thomas in California.
Authorities allege that evidence recovered during searches of their homes linked both men to the broader conspiracy.
Court records indicate that Roa’s family had become increasingly concerned about his behavior in recent months, citing a growing focus on firearms and extensive interaction with a new group of online acquaintances.
Investigators are reviewing those connections as part of their continuing inquiry.
Growing Concerns Over Political Violence in the United States
The case emerges amid heightened concern about political violence and security threats across the United States.
Recent years have seen multiple incidents involving threats against elected officials, public institutions and politically significant events. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned about the dangers posed by online radicalization and extremist networks operating through digital communication platforms.
Security experts note that family intervention and early reporting of concerning behavior can play a critical role in preventing potential acts of violence.
Investigation Remains Active
Federal officials emphasized that the case is still developing and additional charges could emerge as investigators analyze evidence collected from electronic devices, online communications and recovered weapons.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests as they continue examining the alleged network’s activities and connections.
For now, law enforcement agencies maintain that rapid coordination among federal, state and local partners helped prevent what could have been a significant security incident at one of the nation’s most closely protected locations.
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