Federal authorities announced on Wednesday that five men have been charged in connection with an alleged plot to attack government officials and other attendees at a major Ultimate Fighting Championship event held on the White House grounds last week.
The Justice Department said the suspects were arrested in a multi-state operation after investigators uncovered what officials described as a coordinated plan to carry out a mass-casualty attack during the UFC Freedom 250 event on June 14.
According to court documents, the alleged conspiracy involved plans to use drones equipped with explosives to create panic and force an evacuation before armed attackers targeted high-profile individuals fleeing the venue.
The defendants were identified as Tycen C. Proper, 19, of Ohio; Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of California; Michael Alan Thomas, 32, of California; Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, of Missouri; and Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, of Nebraska. Prosecutors allege the men communicated through encrypted messaging platforms while planning the attack.
Federal investigators said the FBI became aware of a potential threat on June 10 and launched an urgent investigation involving law enforcement agencies across several states. Authorities said arrests were carried out over the weekend in Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska and California before the alleged plan could be executed.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche praised the efforts of federal agents and prosecutors, saying law enforcement acted swiftly to disrupt the alleged plot and prevent violence. FBI Director Kash Patel described the investigation as an example of the agency’s ability to identify and respond to threats against public gatherings and government officials.
According to charging documents, Alvarez allegedly operated under the name “Shepherd” in online communications and was identified by investigators as the suspected organizer of the operation. Prosecutors allege he coordinated logistics, identified potential attack positions and encouraged other members to acquire explosive-equipped drones.
Authorities said Proper admitted during an interview that members of the group had discussed attacking the UFC event and had been communicating since at least March. Investigators allege the group planned to rendezvous in Virginia before carrying out the operation. Proper allegedly accumulated firearms, ammunition and tactical equipment while also identifying potential targets, including members of Congress.
Federal agents executing search warrants at the homes of Roa, Thomas and Eskridge reportedly recovered firearms, ammunition, tactical gear and electronic evidence. Prosecutors allege online conversations included discussions about acquiring drones, explosives and sniper positions around the event.
Investigators further allege that some members discussed targeting elected officials and prominent business leaders. Court filings indicate that encrypted chats also included references to attacking infrastructure and conducting what participants described as guerrilla-style operations.
The Justice Department emphasized that the charges remain allegations and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, each defendant could face a maximum sentence of life in prison and fines of up to $250,000. Additional charges related to violence on White House grounds carry potential prison terms of up to five years. The investigation remains ongoing, and federal authorities said additional information could be released as the case proceeds through the courts.
