Details of the Alleged Attack Plan
Newly unsealed affidavits have shed light on an alleged plan to attack a UFC event held on the White House grounds. The suspects allegedly intended to use drones, sniper positions, and crowd manipulation in a coordinated assault. Prosecutors have filed charges against five suspects linked to this plot, revealing details like maps showing operational positions, encrypted group chats, and photographs of firearms and tactical equipment.
Alleged Targets and Strategy
The suspects reportedly planned to stage a demonstration on the north side of the White House. Explosive-laden drones were to detonate over the UFC arena, pushing crowds and high-value targets toward armed men. Named targets included Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, and multiple politicians from West Virginia.
Participants and Motivations
Suspects Bryan Omar Roa, Michael Alan Thomas, Daniel Eskridge, Abraham Alvarez, and Tycen Proper interacted online in a group with ex-military and Christian themes, as stated by Proper’s mother. The group expressed anti-government sentiments directed at various grievances, including alleged government corruption and mishandling of certain cases.
Investigative Insights
Investigators have pieced information from devices owned by Proper. His family initially alerted authorities about his behavior and weapons stockpiling. Proper joined an online network through TikTok, moving to encrypted platforms like Signal and SimpleX, consisting of 19 core individuals. They exchanged imagery and plotted potential escape plans.
Operational Evidence
Evidence includes annotated maps, screenshots of encrypted chats, and photographs of firearms. Maps showcased proposed sniper and drone positions, with strategic annotations for post-attack extraction. Images described specific roles, locations, and weaponry intended for the operation.
Suspect Interactions and Training
Proper provided FBI details about Roa and Thomas, tracked via social media. Roa was seen participating in tactical exercises in a desert. Messages indicate they practiced shooting together as guerrilla warfare training.
Legal Proceedings
The five suspects face federal charges. Proper’s charges include conspiracy to commit a federal offense, attempted murder of a federal officer, and firearms-related charges. Thomas, Roa, and Eskridge are charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Alvarez faces conspiracy charges. Under federal law, some charges might result in life imprisonment.
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