Authorities Foil Attack at UFC Event Near the White House

In Washington, authorities thwarted an attack planned during a UFC cage fight near the White House, as revealed in court documents on Tuesday. The conspirators, unhappy with the country’s direction, allegedly discussed using explosive drones and shooting panicking crowd members as they fled.

The FBI intercepted encrypted text messages between around 20 participants. These individuals shared detailed maps of the area and discussed the need for a safe house and escape routes after the attack. Court records do not specify how close the attackers were to executing their plan before it was stopped last week.

The FBI learned of the potential threat on June 10, four days before the mixed martial arts event at the White House’s South Lawn. FBI Director Kash Patel credited the swift action of the FBI, partner agencies, and the Department of Justice for stopping several planned attacks. Five arrests were made in states including Ohio, Missouri, and California, according to a law enforcement official speaking anonymously.

Among those arrested was Tycen Proper, a 19-year-old from Ohio. His mother contacted local law enforcement last week, concerned about his firearm purchases and online communications. Proper, charged with firearm-related offenses and attempted murder of a U.S. official, faced court in Columbus and has a detention hearing scheduled.

Proper admitted to planning an attack, according to the FBI affidavit. Members of the group began communicating via TikTok under the name “Vanguard of the Old.” They stated a desire to protect America, which they felt was on the wrong path. They believed the nation needed to be overthrown to rebuild it. Some members expressed a wish to see those involved with Jeffrey Epstein removed from power.

Authorities found that the group’s logistics discussions took place on Signal, an app with end-to-end encryption. Proper’s phone messages showed conversations about targeting legislators due to their support for Israel.

Proper indicated he planned to drive with weapons and body armor to Fredericksburg, Virginia, to meet the group. He stated he did not intend to shoot at people but mentioned others planned to do so. The plan involved detonating drones over the White House’s north side, prompting an evacuation into sniper fire as part of a revolution initiative.

President Donald Trump, who celebrated his 80th birthday at the UFC event, was once friends with Epstein but ended that relationship before Epstein’s crimes were exposed. Epstein died in a New York jail cell in 2019 awaiting trial on sexual trafficking charges.

Trump, attending the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, reported he was not informed about the foiled plot.

Contributions to this report were made by Darlene Superville in France and Michael Kunzelman in Washington.