Two men from the Inland Empire have been apprehended and charged in a plot targeting government officials at a UFC event near the White House last weekend. The suspects are part of a group of five co-conspirators detained across the nation, motivated by anti-government views.
Who Are the Suspects?
Michael Alan Thomas, 32, was arrested in Piñon Hills, San Bernardino County. Bryan Omar Roa, 24, was detained in Calimesa, Riverside County. Both face conspiracy to commit murder charges as per the U.S. Department of Justice records.
The complaint filed in California reveals communication between Roa and Thomas through an encrypted app called SimpleX. The chatroom, named “Vanguard of the Old Republic,” was used to discuss locations in California. A co-conspirator’s relative alerted authorities, leading to their identification.
What Was the Objective?
Authorities reported Thomas admitted to inciting others to join the planned chaos aiming to destabilize the government. He expressed beliefs in a government led by elites harming infants and mentioned connections to Jeffrey Epstein, implicating protection from President Trump.
Roa denied the allegations, claiming intentions to protest but couldn’t due to car issues. His family believed he planned violent acts due to behavioral changes and increased weapons practice.
The arrests occurred before the event, where agents found firearms and tactical gear in their possession.
Details of the Plot
Court documents detail discussions among co-conspirators about using drones to drop explosives, instigating chaos, and targeting high-value attendees with snipers. The FBI learned of this plot on June 10, aided by a report from Proper’s mother regarding suspicious activity.
At Proper’s home, additional investigations uncovered weapons stockpiles and tactical plans, including a journal listing 46 potential targets, involving celebrities and political figures.
Current Case Status
Roa and Thomas appeared in U.S. District Court in Riverside, resulting in detention without bail. Roa’s next court date is July 7, and Thomas’ is July 21. Their detention continues in San Bernardino County jail. The investigation persists against Proper and others involved in the alleged conspiracy.
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