By Our Correspondent
National News – The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced the arrest of five men accused of plotting a deadly attack on a high-profile Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event held at the White House over the weekend.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the suspects allegedly planned to use explosive-laden drones and sniper teams to target attendees, including prominent political figures and business leaders.
The event, which took place on Sunday on the South Lawn of the White House, coincided with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday celebration and attracted thousands of spectators.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the operation as a successful multi-state effort that prevented what authorities believe could have been a major act of political violence.
The suspects were identified as 19-year-old Tycen C. Proper of Ohio, Bryan Omar Roa, 24, and Michael Alan Thomas, 32, both of California, Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, of Missouri, and Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, of Nebraska. They were arrested across four states and charged with conspiracy to commit murder.
Investigators allege that the group planned to deploy drones carrying explosives against nearby buildings to trigger panic among attendees. As crowds fled, sniper teams were allegedly expected to target selected individuals, while another group would attempt to breach White House security.
Court documents indicate that potential targets included President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, and several elected officials.
Authorities said the alleged conspiracy was uncovered after Proper’s mother alerted law enforcement about her son’s recent firearm purchases and online communications with members of an extremist group. The FBI subsequently monitored encrypted conversations and launched an investigation.
Prosecutors said members of the group expressed anti-government and extremist beliefs, claiming they wanted to spark a revolution and rebuild what they viewed as a failing United States. Investigators also alleged that the suspects discussed assassinating lawmakers and prominent business figures.
The group reportedly communicated through a TikTok channel before moving discussions to the encrypted messaging platform Signal. Authorities said members shared maps of Washington, D.C., identifying sniper positions, drone launch sites, and potential infrastructure targets, including power grids.
The DOJ accused Alvarez of playing a leading role in organising the planned attack and coordinating drone operations.
During questioning, Proper allegedly admitted participating in planning discussions but claimed he did not intend to personally carry out any shootings. However, investigators said other members appeared committed to violent action.
Reacting to the development, U.S. Secret Service Deputy Director Matt Quinn described the case as a “serious threat” but declined to provide extensive details due to the ongoing investigation.
President Trump, when asked about the alleged plot during the G7 summit, said he had not yet been briefed on the matter.
If convicted, each suspect could face life imprisonment and fines of up to $250,000. Proper also faces additional charges, including conspiracy to commit violence on White House grounds.
A preliminary court hearing has been scheduled for June 29.
Security experts note that the case comes amid growing concerns about political violence in the United States. Recent studies have reported a significant increase in targeted attacks and extremist threats against public officials and institutions.
