Federal authorities foiled a plot to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House lawn using explosive-laden drones and snipers. The scheme involved at least 23 people and targeted politicians including Senator Marsha Blackburn.
The FBI learned of the plot on June 10 after Tycen Proper's mother contacted local police in Knox County, Ohio, over his firearms purchases and online contacts. Proper, 19, confessed to planning a coordinated attack during the UFC event scheduled for the White House lawn.
Investigators found Signal group chats with maps marking sniper positions and drone launch sites. The plan called for drones to drive crowds toward shooters who would target high-value individuals and then the White House itself.
Proper and four others, including Bryan Omar Roa and Michael Alan Thomas, face charges including conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. Proper is scheduled for a detention hearing on June 17.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the rapid multi-state operation stopped the alleged attacks before they could occur.
