The FBI has disrupted an alleged terror-style attack targeting the high-profile UFC Freedom 250 event held at the White House, according to newly unsealed court documents. Authorities say the suspects planned to use explosive-laden drones and firearms during the event attended by U.S. President Donald Trump and thousands of spectators.
Federal investigators revealed that the alleged attackers intended to trigger panic by striking buildings near the White House with drones carrying explosives before launching a second phase targeting fleeing crowds and security checkpoints.
The planned attack was stopped days before the event, thanks to what FBI Director Kash Patel described as a “multi-state operation” involving rapid coordination between federal and local law enforcement agencies.
What Was the Alleged White House UFC Attack Plot?
According to court papers unsealed Tuesday, approximately 20 individuals participated in encrypted chats, where they allegedly discussed operational planning, escape routes, maps of the White House area, and the establishment of a “safe house” following the attack.
Authorities said the group allegedly planned to deploy **explosive drones near the White House grounds to force a mass evacuation during the UFC Freedom 250 event, which took place on the South Lawn on June 14.
Investigators believe the chaos caused by the explosions would have created an opportunity for a “second wave” attack targeting security personnel and panicked civilians, court filings suggest.
The event, hosted as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations and coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, featured a large UFC fight card attended by Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, UFC CEO Dana White, and senior officials.
Five Suspects in Custody, One Formally Charged
Federal authorities confirmed that five individuals have been taken into custody, while one suspect has already been formally charged.
The primary accused, 19-year-old Tycen Proper from Ohio, faces federal charges including:
> Conspiracy against the United States
>Attempted murder of a U.S. officer
>Firearms-related offenses
According to prosecutors, Proper allegedly became involved with an online group expressing **anti-government and ultra-religious extremist views.
Court documents state that Proper’s parents alerted law enforcement after noticing troubling behavior, including recent firearm purchases, military-style preparations, and conversations about so-called “recon” and “hit-and-run” missions**.
Authorities allege Proper purchased a rifle, shotgun, ballistic gear, ammunition, camping supplies, and food using nearly $3,000 in graduation money.
Signal Chats Revealed Alleged Attack Plans
A review of Proper’s cellphone reportedly uncovered encrypted Signal chat groups where members allegedly discussed operational logistics, escape methods, and weapons planning.
Investigators claim some suspects traveled or planned to travel to Fredericksburg, Virginia, shortly before the White House event.
Court filings allege participants discussed fleeing through the Potomac River area after the attack and shared maps showing movement around security zones.
Proper allegedly told investigators that members of the group believed “the United States needed to be torn down so that it could be rebuilt,” prosecutors wrote in the complaint.
Authorities say Proper claimed he personally did not intend to shoot civilians but admitted that other members allegedly intended to carry out violent actions.
FBI and Secret Service Heightened Security Ahead of Event
The FBI reportedly learned of the possible threat on June 10, just four days before the UFC event.
Earlier this month, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security had already warned in an internal bulletin that the White House UFC event represented an “attractive symbolic target”, though no credible threat had been publicly identified at the time.
Security at the White House was significantly elevated during the event, with law enforcement using aerial surveillance and monitoring unauthorized drone activity.
Federal law prohibits drones from operating in the National Capital Region airspace, and officials had urged the public to immediately report suspicious drone sightings.
Kash Patel Praises Law Enforcement Response
FBI Director Kash Patel praised investigators for acting quickly to stop what authorities believe could have become a mass casualty event.
> “Thanks to the rapid action of the FBI, our partners, and the Department of Justice in a multi-state operation, multiple individuals are now in custody and allegedly planned attacks were stopped cold,” Patel said in a statement.
He added that the investigation remains ongoing and more information may be released as authorities continue examining the alleged network.
The alleged foiled plot raises fresh concerns over domestic extremism, drone-based threats, and security vulnerabilities at major public gatherings in the United States.
The White House UFC event — already historic for hosting professional cage fighting on federal grounds — has now become the center of a major federal terrorism investigation that authorities say could have resulted in devastating consequences.
As federal prosecutors continue building the case, questions remain over how advanced the alleged plans were and whether additional arrests could follow.
