Charges filed against 5 accused of planning attack at Trump's UFC event; sought to lure crowd into a 'trap'

U.S. authorities have charged five individuals accused of conspiring to carry out a drone and sniper attack during a recent Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event held at the White House. The event, which coincided with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday celebration, was targeted with the intent to lure attendees into a deadly trap.

The suspects, identified as Tycen Proper, Bryan Omar Roa, Michael Alan Thomas, Daniel Kenely Eskridge, and Abraham Hermosillo Álvarez, allegedly coordinated their plan using social media and encrypted communication channels. According to court documents, the group initially connected on TikTok before moving to encrypted messaging applications. There, they reportedly created chat groups to organize sniper teams and drone operators, and to select high-value targets, including the president.

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The plan allegedly contemplated the use of drones loaded with explosives and sniper equipment to cause numerous victims in the framework of the UFC event on Sunday in Washington.

The alleged plot involved launching explosive-laden drones at buildings and infrastructure near the White House, aiming for simultaneous explosions. The objective was to create panic among event attendees and direct the fleeing crowd towards areas where snipers would be positioned to maximize casualties. Proper, from Ohio, faces federal charges including conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. Roa, Thomas, Eskridge, and Álvarez, arrested in California, Missouri, and Nebraska respectively, are charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

The investigation began on June 10 after Proper's mother alerted Ohio police about her son's "concerning" comments and purchase of weapons. Proper reportedly spent $3,000 of his graduation money on ammunition, firearms, and other supplies for the alleged attack. The UFC event took place on the White House grounds, drawing thousands of attendees and requiring a substantial security presence. This incident adds to a series of recent threats against the president.

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Proper allegedly spent $3,000 of his 'graduation money' to buy 'a large quantity' of ammunition, weapons, additional magazines, and other items for the alleged attack.