Law enforcement officials stopped a planned attack on a UFC event held at the White House last weekend. Court documents reveal that the plot involved drones with explosives and potential shootings of a fleeing audience.
The FBI captured encrypted messages shared among about 20 participants, detailing maps of the area and discussions on safe houses and escape routes.
The FBI learned of the threat on June 10, four days before the UFC show on the South Lawn of the White House. Director Kash Patel praised the swift action of the FBI and other agencies for averting the danger. The operation led to multiple arrests across Ohio, Missouri, and California. A source requested anonymity, as information remained non-public.
One arrested individual, Tycen Proper, a 19-year-old from Ohio, raised concerns through his mother regarding his firearm purchases and online communications. Proper faces charges including attempted murder of a federal employee. In a federal court affidavit, Proper admitted involvement in planning the attack. The group’s communication began in March through TikTok in a group called “Vanguard of the Old,” claiming a desire to rebuild the United States.
Discussions about logistics occurred via the Signal app, which offers end-to-end encryption. Messages from Proper’s phone revealed plans for targeting lawmakers and highlighted logistical details. The attackers planned to use drones to cause chaos and allow snipers to attack fleeing crowds. Proper stated he intended to drive to Virginia with weapons and body armor but claimed he did not intend to shoot at the White House.
The plot aimed at initiating a so-called revolution in the U.S. President Donald Trump, who marked his 80th birthday at the UFC event, claimed not to have been briefed on the threat. Trump distanced himself from disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide while awaiting trial for trafficking charges in 2019.
Reporters Darlene Superville and Michael Kunzelman contributed to this coverage.
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