Washington, D.C. – FBI Director Kash Patel announced Tuesday that agents, working with partner agencies, had disrupted an alleged terror plot targeting Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House South Lawn.
This massive outdoor celebration, honoring both America’s 250th anniversary and President Trump’s 80th birthday, drew roughly 4,300 invited guests, while thousands more watched on giant screens from the nearby Ellipse park.
President Trump was not briefed on the plot in advance and had no prior knowledge of it.
Supporting court documents were unsealed Tuesday, with details reported by the NY POSTand across major news outlets. According to federal complaints and law enforcement officials, five individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with the plot. Encrypted Signal chats involving as many as 23 persons were central to the group’s planning.
The investigation remains active, with additional suspects possibly at large.
The FBI first learned of the threat on June 10. The suspects, operating outside the National Capital Region, allegedly planned the attack for the night of June 14, 2026, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
This was a coordinated operation spanning Nebraska, Ohio, California, and Missouri, carried out by U.S. citizens.
As of Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the five charged individuals are in custody.
They allegedly purchased firearms, ammunition, and tactical gear and face charges including conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States.
The scheme reportedly involved explosive drones targeting nearby buildings to spark widespread panic and trigger mass evacuations from the South Lawn, with the plan to herd the fleeing crowds into the path of a sniper team positioned to target “high-value targets,” followed by additional attackers.
Those familiar with the case described it as modeled after overseas tactics.
The suspects first connected in a TikTok group called “Vanguard of the Old.” They soon shifted to encrypted Signal chats.
In those chats, they allegedly discussed targeting various lawmakers, including Senators Jim Justice, Shelley Moore Capito, Marsha Blackburn, and Representatives Carol Miller and Riley Moore.
The group was motivated by grievances over government corruption, the Epstein files, and pro-Israel lobbying ties. They held anti-government accelerationist views and sought to “jumpstart a revolution.”
KEY SUSPECTS CHARGED IN THE ALLEGED PLOT:
Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez (31, Omaha, Nebraska)
Alleged key ringleader, known online as “Shepherd.” Court records indicate he was a primary planner, discussing sniper placements, explosive drones, escape routes, and a fallback location at an old church in Nebraska. He allegedly provided tactical directions, drone launch points, and sniper positions. He faces federal charges including conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and conspiracy to commit murder.
Tycen Proper (19, Danville, Ohio)
Arrested after his mother alerted authorities on or around June 10 due to concerns over his behavior, online activity, firearm/ammunition purchases, including $3,000 of graduation money spent on tactical gear.
Interviewed at a medical facility on June 11, he allegedly admitted planning a coordinated attack to “jumpstart a revolution.”
Communications began around March 2026 on TikTok, then moved to Signal. He amassed firearms, thousands of rounds, and tactical gear.
Proper faces charges including conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, attempted murder of U.S. officers/employees, and firearm charges. Held without bond.
Daniel K. Eskridge (32, Kidder, Missouri)
Identified via communications on Proper’s phone. Allegedly discussed assassinating senators and representatives, some targeted over pro-Israel ties, power grids, and operational structure with teams including snipers and drone operators. Distributed photos of tactical gear. A search of his residence on June 13 seized multiple firearms and gear. Charged with conspiracy to commit murder on White House grounds.
Bryan Omar Roa (24, Calimesa, Southern California)
Arrested in connection with the plot. Search of his residence and vehicle recovered a rifle, handgun, tactical belt, ammunition, two-way radio, and infrared laser. Messages discussed the attack plan, including explosive drones and snipers. He allegedly planned to drive to D.C. but denied full involvement.
Michael Alan Thomas (32, Pinon Hills, Southern California)
Arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder, among other counts. Search recovered a hunting rifle, AR-style rifle, extended magazines, and tactical items. In chats, he allegedly discussed supplying drones/explosives, “tiers” of operators, “gorilla style warfare” training, and recruitment. Met with Roa for marksmanship practice.
The UFC Freedom 250 was a historic spectacle, with the Octagon set up on the White House South Lawn. The stacked card featured non-stop action and patriotic energy, capped by Justin Gaethje’s dramatic lightweight title win over Ilia Topuria, in front of a fired-up crowd. President Trump and his family were in attendance amid heightened security.
Authorities continue to urge the public to report suspicious activity. The swift disruption highlights effective intelligence sharing. The investigation remains ongoing, with additional charges possible.
UFC CEO Dana White and organizers thanked law enforcement for ensuring the event proceeded safely.
This foiled attack arrives amid broader concerns over political violence and extremism.
