FBI Foils Alleged Drone and Sniper Attack on UFC Event at White House
Overview of the Arrests
Federal law enforcement has detained at least 12 individuals across four states in the United States, linked to a purported scheme to assault a UFC event scheduled on the South Lawn of the White House. This operation was the result of an FBI investigation into what officials characterized as a planned drone and sniper assault aimed at the UFC Freedom 250 event in Washington, DC.
FBI Director Kash Patel revealed in a statement on X that the agency became aware of the potential threat several days prior to the event. He noted, "On June 10, the FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, identified a possible threat to the UFC America 250 event in Washington DC involving individuals from outside the National Capital Region. Thanks to the swift actions of the FBI, our partners, and the Department of Justice in a multi-state operation, multiple suspects are now in custody, and the planned attacks have been thwarted," Patel stated.
Details of the Suspects
Among those apprehended were Abraham Hermosillo Alvaraz from Nebraska and Daniel Eskridge from Missouri. Limited information has been disclosed about these individuals, apart from their names and arrest locations. Federal affidavits indicate that the suspects initially connected via a TikTok group named "Vanguard of the Old" before shifting their discussions to the encrypted messaging service Signal. The FBI managed to infiltrate this Signal group, allowing them to gather crucial information regarding the alleged conspiracy.
Authorities believe the suspects adhered to an "accelerationist" ideology, a far-right belief system that promotes the dismantling of American capitalism and society. Reports suggest that further arrests may occur as investigators prepare additional search warrants.
Involvement of Other Suspects
Other individuals implicated in the investigation include 19-year-old Tycen Proper from Ohio, who was arrested on June 10 after his mother expressed concerns about his behavior to local authorities. Additionally, Michael Alan Thomas and Bryan Oma Roa were taken into custody in Southern California and face charges of conspiracy to commit murder.
Federal investigators assert that the group intended to deploy explosive-laden drones over the South Lawn during the UFC event, aiming to incite panic among attendees, who would subsequently be targeted by a nearby sniper team. The group also allegedly contemplated breaching the White House gates.
Targeted Politicians and Ideological Motivations
According to court documents and law enforcement sources, the group discussed plans to target several Republican politicians, including Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn, West Virginia Senators Jim Justice and Shelley Moore Capito, as well as Representatives Carol Miller and Riley Moore. Tycen Proper emerged as a key figure in the investigation, reportedly admitting to participating in planning discussions.
A federal affidavit reveals that Proper informed investigators on June 11 that he had been involved in orchestrating a "coordinated" attack with other group members. The affidavit further states that participants believed the United States was "headed in the wrong direction" and needed to be dismantled to facilitate a rebuild. Investigators allege that the planned attack was viewed as a means to "jumpstart" a revolution in the United States. The FBI and Department of Justice have not disclosed how many more individuals might face charges as the investigation progresses.