The FBI said it had foiled an alleged plot to attack a mixed martial arts event held on the White House lawn over the weekend, leading to the arrest of five people.
According to court documents, the suspects planned to use explosive-laden drones to strike the north side of the White House during the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event. Investigators alleged that the attack aimed to create panic and force attendees toward an exit where snipers would then open fire on fleeing politicians and guests.
Authorities said the event proceeded without incident.
Trump Attended Event Marking America’s 250th Anniversary
US President Donald Trump attended the UFC America 250 event, which was held to commemorate the 250th anniversary of US independence. The event also coincided with Trump’s 80th birthday.
Several senior Republican lawmakers, donors, and administration officials were present at the gathering.
Trump, who was attending the Group of Seven summit in Evian, France, later told reporters that he had not been informed about the alleged plot.
FBI Says Suspects Were Motivated by Anti-Government Beliefs
According to court filings, the five suspects subscribed to anti-government conspiracy theories. Investigators said their anger over the handling of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein partly motivated the alleged plan.
Court documents also revealed that one suspect had expressed interest in targeting lawmakers who had received campaign contributions from pro-Israel groups.
FBI Director Kash Patel said authorities became aware of the threat on June 10.
“FBI and our law enforcement partners became aware of a potential threat to the UFC America 250 event in Washington, D.C., involving individuals outside of the National Capital Region,” Patel said in a statement posted on X.
Multiple Charges Filed Against Suspects
Federal prosecutors have charged at least three of the five suspects with conspiracy to commit murder.
Other charges include conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and weapons-related violations.
The accused have not yet entered pleas in court. Authorities have not immediately released information regarding legal representation for the suspects.
Group May Have Included More Than 20 People
According to a report by Fox News Digital, the network behind the alleged plot may have involved as many as 23 individuals.
Vice President JD Vance said investigators were examining the networks and sources of support behind the suspected operation.
“Twenty-three people do not get to the point where they’re going to commit a mass terror incident in Washington, D.C., without some serious funding and coordination,” Vance said in an interview with Fox News.
“That’s not a few guys doing crazy stuff. That is a coordinated planned terrorist plot,” he added.
Mother’s Call Helped Investigators Uncover Alleged Plot
Authorities said the investigation began after the mother of 19-year-old Tycen Proper contacted police in Ohio.
She reportedly alerted authorities after noticing that her son had purchased weapons and was communicating with suspicious individuals online.
According to an FBI affidavit, Proper later admitted to agents that he knew about plans for a coordinated attack on the White House UFC event.
Investigators used the information to identify and arrest the suspects before the alleged attack could be carried out.
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Authorities Continue Investigation
Federal agencies are continuing to investigate the case to determine whether additional individuals were involved.
Officials have not disclosed further details regarding the identities of the remaining suspects or whether more arrests are expected.
The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are now focusing on uncovering the alleged support networks and financial resources that may have aided the planned attack.
