Law enforcement officials have disrupted an alleged terrorist plot targeting the Ultimate Fighting Championship event held at the White House over the weekend, according to court documents unsealed on Tuesday. Five people have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder after investigators uncovered plans that allegedly included flying drones loaded with explosives over the event and shooting into the fleeing crowd.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced that law enforcement learned about the threat on Wednesday, just four days before the event took place on the White House South Lawn on Sunday. The UFC event marked President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and America’s 250th anniversary celebration, where 14 fighters competed under a 92-foot structure called The Claw.
Main developments
According to unsealed court papers, investigators believe 19 people took part in the alleged conspiracy based on encrypted text messages recovered during the investigation. Of those suspected participants, five individuals have been arrested across the country and now face charges of conspiracy to commit murder.
The five arrested suspects are Tycen Proper, 19, from Ohio; Daniel Eskridge, 32, from Missouri; Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez; Bryan Omar Roa from California; and Michael Alan Thomas from California. Bryan Omar Roa and Michael Alan Thomas were arrested on Saturday, according to court documents.
Investigators recovered significant evidence during their operation, including firearms, ammunition, maps, photographs of the area, and detailed escape route plans. Thousands of rounds of ammunition were found among the recovered materials. Court papers indicate that Tycen Proper purchased a rifle on June 5.
FBI Director Kash Patel addressed the successful disruption of the alleged plot in a statement. “And 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.
What we know so far
The alleged conspirators discussed two primary attack methods according to court documents: flying drones equipped with explosives over the event and then opening fire on attendees as they fled the scene. Court papers reveal that FBI officials believe several high-profile individuals were listed as potential targets based on coded messages, including Vice President JD Vance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Elon Musk.
Some of the suspects espoused fringe conspiracy theories and made antisemitic remarks, according to court documents. Family members of at least one suspect raised concerns about recent behavioral changes.
FBI Special Agent Mark Prator noted in court documents that family members provided relevant information about suspect Bryan Omar Roa. “Family members also stated that within the last three months, Roa began spending more time with a new group of online friends,” Prator stated.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran also commented on the operation that prevented the alleged attack. “In the days leading up to this weekend, our special agents, mission support personnel, and technical security teams worked around the clock to identify those responsible and hold them accountable. Equally important to our protective mission is ensuring accountability through the justice system,” Curran said.
President Trump responds
President Donald Trump indicated he was not aware of the alleged plot when asked about it. “I haven’t heard about it. The attack that I watched was the fighters,” Trump said, referencing the UFC competition that took place during the event.
The UFC event proceeded as planned on Sunday at the White House South Lawn despite the threat being identified days earlier. The 14 fighters competed under the massive 92-foot structure known as The Claw during the celebration marking both the president’s birthday and the nation’s 250th anniversary.
What happens next
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to identify and locate the remaining suspected participants. While 19 people are believed to have taken part in the alleged conspiracy based on recovered encrypted communications, only five arrests have been confirmed so far.
Those arrested face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and will proceed through the federal court system. It remains unclear whether some of the arrested suspects have obtained legal representation, and attorneys for most suspects did not respond to requests for comment.
The FBI and Department of Justice are expected to continue their multi-state investigation as they work to build cases against additional suspected participants identified through the encrypted text messages and other recovered evidence.
Important details
The scope of threats facing government officials has been substantial in recent years. Capitol Police investigated nearly 15,000 concerning statements last year alone, with more than 9,000 potential threats investigated the previous year.
This case follows other recent security concerns related to high-profile government events. Cole Tomas Allen was previously identified as a suspect in connection with the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, demonstrating the ongoing security challenges facing law enforcement agencies protecting major events in Washington, D.C.
FBI task force officer Christopher Betts was among the law enforcement personnel involved in the investigation that led to the arrests and recovery of evidence in this case.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were arrested in the FBI White House UFC plot investigation?
Five people have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. However, investigators believe 19 people took part in the alleged conspiracy based on encrypted text messages. The investigation is ongoing.
What was the alleged plan to attack the White House UFC event?
According to court documents, conspirators discussed flying drones loaded with explosives over the event and then shooting into the fleeing crowd. Investigators recovered firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, maps, photographs, and escape route plans.
When did the FBI learn about the alleged White House attack plot?
FBI Director Kash Patel stated that law enforcement learned about the threat on Wednesday, four days before the UFC event took place on the White House South Lawn on Sunday.
Who are the suspects arrested in the White House UFC plot?
The five arrested suspects are Tycen Proper, 19, from Ohio; Daniel Eskridge, 32, from Missouri; Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez; Bryan Omar Roa from California; and Michael Alan Thomas from California.
The arrests and charges announced Tuesday represent a significant law enforcement operation involving multiple federal agencies working across several states. Authorities continue their investigation as they seek to identify the full scope of the alleged conspiracy and locate additional suspected participants who remain at large.
