The Disrupted Plan
The FBI disrupted an alleged plot to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House on Sunday using explosive-laden drones and snipers positioned to shoot fleeing attendees, federal authorities said Tuesday. Five people have been charged: Tycen Proper of Ohio, Daniel Eskridge of Missouri, Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez of Nebraska, and Bryan Omar Roa and Michael Alan Thomas of California. Each has been arrested and is being detained pending additional proceedings.
The alleged attack was designed in stages. According to court filings, the group planned to stage a demonstration on the north side of the White House, then fly drones laden with unspecified explosive devices that would detonate over the UFC arena. When attendees and "high value targets" evacuated south, members positioned as snipers and additional shooters would fire on them as they fled.
FBI Director Kash Patel revealed the existence of the alleged plot earlier Tuesday. On June 10, the FBI and law enforcement partners became aware of a potential threat to the UFC event from individuals outside the National Capital Region. "Thanks to the rapid action of this 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," Patel said in a statement.
How the Plot Was Discovered
Proper's mother contacted local law enforcement on June 10 after observing concerning behavior, including firearms purchases and online communications with a group claiming to be ex-military and Christian-based. Officers from the Knox County Sheriff's Office and Danville Police Department visited Proper's home and spoke with his parents, who said he had recently met people online and planned "recons" with them for the weekend of June 13.
Proper's father told investigators his son had acquired camping gear, food, ballistic plates, a new shotgun and rifle, and "lots" of ammunition using roughly $3,000 of graduation money. His mother said Proper had overheard conversations with the online group expressing "ultra-religious and antigovernment sentiments," specifically citing grievances about government corruption, the handling of the Epstein files, and data centers taking up water in communities.
When interviewed on June 11 at a medical facility, Proper admitted to planning a coordinated attack at the UFC event. He was transported to the hospital after the interview, where staff submitted an application for admission based on "homicidal ideations."
The Organization and Targets
Communications moved to the encrypted messaging app Signal, where the FBI said approximately 19 individuals coordinated the attack in one large chat, with smaller groups of four or five users handling specific tasks.
The group was organized into tiers ranging from "tier 1" to "tier 4," including those willing to engage in direct violence, getaway drivers or drone operators, supply and logistics operators, and funders and influencers. Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, identified by the FBI as the user "Shepherd," devised the tier system and was described by Proper as the group's leader and aggressive tactical planner whom Proper believed to be a former military member.
The alleged targets included President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Proper identified Sen. Marsha Blackburn as a target for her support for Israel and sent photos of Sen. Jim Justice, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, Rep. Carol Miller, and Rep. Riley Moore that appeared to include information about pro-Israel PAC donations they received.
The Stated Motivation
Proper told investigators that members of the group believed the United States needed to be torn down so it could be rebuilt. He said the coordinated attack would help bring about a revolution. According to prosecutors, Proper stated the goal was to "jumpstart" a revolution in the U.S.
The group's grievances extended beyond political opposition. Court filings detail numerous complaints against the government and federal officials, including U.S. support for Israel, the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, and concerns about data centers. By early June, discussions centered specifically on the UFC event at the White House. Eskridge allegedly said the group should obtain $1,300 to buy "drones and charges."
What Law Enforcement Recovered
Two law enforcement sources told CBS News that officials seized weapons, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and tactical gear from the suspects during search warrant executions. However, no drones have actually been recovered. Sources said use of the drones was believed to be in the discussion-and-research phases.
Proper was planning to drive to Fredericksburg, Virginia—roughly 50 miles outside Washington—to meet other group members, bringing his weapons, body armor, and ammunition including an AR-15. A review of his cellphone revealed Signal chats aligning with the alleged plotting, including discussions of escape and evasion resources, a potential "safe house" location, and plans to travel from the White House to the Potomac River to escape.
Charges and Next Steps
Proper, 19, faces three additional charges beyond conspiracy to commit murder. Each of the five defendants has been charged with at least one count of conspiracy to commit murder. Secret Service Deputy Director Matt Quinn said during a briefing that there are still suspects at large and law enforcement will continue working the case until everyone has been identified. "The event itself, I am confident in saying, was never at risk due to the great investigative work," Quinn said.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn, whom Proper allegedly named as a target, called the threat "chilling." "I will not let maniacs like this one deter me from celebrating or serving this great nation, and I am grateful to law enforcement for keeping us safe," she wrote on social media. Proper has not entered a plea yet, and an attorney for him did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
