The FBI disrupted a planned attack on the UFC event held at the White House over the weekend. Court documents reveal that conspirators discussed deploying explosives-laden drones and firing at escaping crowds.
Authorities intercepted encrypted messages among approximately 20 individuals. These messages included detailed maps and plans for a ‘safe house’ and escape routes post-attack. These actions were thwarted before attackers could advance beyond the planning stage.
On June 10, four days ahead of the UFC event on the South Lawn of the White House, the FBI became aware of this threat. Swift actions by federal agents and the Department of Justice led to multiple arrests. This quick response ensured the planned attacks did not come to fruition, according to FBI Director Kash Patel’s statement.
AP correspondent Haya Panjwani reported the arrests connected to the event. Five individuals from Ohio, Missouri, and California were detained. An anonymous law enforcement source shared these details with The Associated Press.
One of the arrested individuals, Tycen Proper, is a 19-year-old from Ohio. Concerns about his firearms purchases led Proper’s mother to alert authorities, which played a key role in the investigation. Proper now faces charges including firearms offenses and attempted murder of a federal official or employee. He admitted to participating in attack planning during an interview with law enforcement. His initial court appearance took place Monday in Columbus, with a detention hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
The FBI affidavit reveals that the conspirators started communicating last March through a TikTok group called “Vanguard of the Old.” Members expressed views that the United States required rebuilding, expressing distrust of individuals with connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
Communications about the attack were carried out on Signal, a chat app providing end-to-end encryption. Conversations involved targeting specific lawmakers due to their support for Israel. Proper planned to drive to Fredericksburg, Virginia, with weapons and body armor for a group meeting point but disavowed intentions to shoot anyone at the White House.
The attack plan included drones detonated over the north side of the White House. This was meant to trigger an evacuation into sniper fire. The goal articulated was to start a U.S. revolution.
President Donald Trump, celebrating his 80th birthday at the event, had previously associated with Epstein but ended the relationship prior to Epstein’s criminal proceedings. Responding from Évian-les-Bains, France, Trump mentioned he had not been briefed about the foiled plot.
Reporters Darlene Superville and Michael Kunzelman contributed additional information to this report.
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