The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Tuesday the arrest of five men accused of conspiring to carry out a mass casualty attack at the UFC Freedom 250 event, which took place on the White House South Lawn this past Sunday. The suspects, arrested across Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska, and California, allegedly planned to utilize explosive-laden drones and sniper fire to target high-ranking government officials in attendance.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal authorities became aware of the threat on June 10. According to the DOJ, the group had been coordinating through encrypted communication since March, amassing firearms, tactical gear, and thousands of rounds of ammunition. The identified suspects are Tycen C. Proper, 19; Bryan Omar Roa, 24; Michael Alan Thomas, 32; Daniel K. Eskridge, 32; and Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31.
High-profile attendees at the event included President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside prominent business figures. Secret Service Director Sean Curran stated that the agency was aware of the plot well in advance and maintained strict operational security to ensure the event remained safe. “The event itself, I am confident in saying, was never at risk,” Curran told reporters.
The suspects currently face federal charges of conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to commit violence on White House grounds. The investigation remains active, and authorities are currently reviewing evidence including recovered digital communications and tactical equipment.