An article summarized by the Associated Press:
Federal authorities say they foiled a potentially deadly plot targeting the UFC event held on the White House South Lawn after uncovering communications among a group of roughly 20 individuals who allegedly planned to attack attendees. According to court documents unsealed Tuesday, members of the group discussed deploying drones carrying explosives over the event and opening fire on people as crowds attempted to flee. Investigators say the suspects shared detailed maps of the White House area, discussed escape routes, and even talked about securing a "safe house" to use after the attack. While authorities have not disclosed how close the group came to carrying out the plan, officials described the threat as serious and coordinated.
The FBI learned of the alleged plot on June 10th, just four days before the UFC event, and quickly launched a multi-state investigation alongside federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. FBI Director Kash Patel said the operation led to multiple arrests and prevented the attack before it could be executed. Five individuals were ultimately taken into custody in states including Ohio, Missouri, and California. Among them was 19-year-old Ohio resident Tycen Proper, who is facing federal charges including attempted murder of an officer or employee of the United States. According to an FBI affidavit, Proper later admitted participating in discussions related to the attack. Investigators were first tipped off after Proper's mother contacted local authorities with concerns about his recent firearms purchases and online communications.
Court filings reveal that many of the suspects communicated through a TikTok group chat called "Vanguard of the Old," which investigators say formed earlier this year. Members allegedly expressed the belief that the United States was on the wrong path and that the current political system needed to be dismantled and rebuilt. Some participants reportedly focused on grievances involving government institutions, while others expressed anger over the handling of matters related to Jeffrey Epstein and who they believed should or should not hold positions of power. The UFC event itself drew significant attention because it was held at the White House and attended by President Donald Trump as part of his 80th birthday celebrations. Speaking to reporters Tuesday at the G7 summit in France, Trump said he had not yet been briefed on the thwarted plot. The case is expected to draw further scrutiny as prosecutors seek to determine how organized the group was, whether additional suspects were involved, and how close the alleged attackers came to obtaining the weapons and resources necessary to carry out their plans.
