Thwarted Attack on White House UFC Event

Law enforcement prevented a planned attack on a UFC event held at the White House last weekend. Court documents unsealed on Tuesday reveal that the plotters, unhappy with the country’s direction, considered using drones loaded with explosives and shooting at the crowd as they fled.

The FBI intercepted encrypted messages among about 20 individuals. These messages included maps and discussed the need for a ‘safe house’ and escape routes post-attack. The proximity of the attackers to executing their plan before being stopped is unclear.

On June 14, during the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House’s South Lawn in Washington, the FBI learned about the threat four days prior. FBI Director Kash Patel credited quick actions by the FBI, partners, and the Department of Justice in arresting multiple suspects, thereby halting the plans.

Five individuals from Ohio, Missouri, and California were arrested, a law enforcement official revealed, wishing to remain anonymous. One suspect, Tycen Proper, aged 19 from Ohio, was reported by his mother over concerns about his firearm purchases and online communications.

Proper, facing charges including attempted murder of a federal officer, appeared in court on Monday. According to an affidavit, he acknowledged being part of an attack’s planning, which members of the group had discussed since March through a TikTok group named ‘Vanguard of the Old.’

The group expressed that they wanted to protect and rebuild the country, believing it was misdirected. Some members held views against those associated with Jeffrey Epstein in governance roles.

Security at the White House was heightened during the UFC Fan Fest on June 13, just before the event.

Communication regarding the attack logistics took place on the Signal app, featuring a primary chat of approximately 19 people and smaller side chats. Proper’s phone revealed discussions about targeting lawmakers supporting Israel, among other plot details.

Proper told authorities he intended to drive with weapons to a meet-up spot in Virginia, though he claimed no intent to shoot at the White House. The plan involved detonating drones over the White House’s north side, prompting evacuation and sniper fire aimed at starting a U.S. revolution.

President Donald Trump, who attended the UFC event and celebrated his 80th birthday, was once Epstein’s friend but has stated their association ended before Epstein’s crimes were revealed. Trump was in France attending the Group of Seven summit when questioned about the plot and commented he was not briefed on the situation.

Contributors to this report included Associated Press writers Darlene Superville in France and Michael Kunzelman in Washington.