FBI Says Alleged Plot to Attack White House UFC Event Foiled, Five Arrested

U.S. federal authorities say they have foiled an alleged plot to attack a high-profile Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event held at the White House, leading to the arrest of five suspects accused of planning a coordinated act of mass violence involving drones, explosives and firearms.

Court documents unsealed on Tuesday revealed that investigators disrupted the alleged conspiracy days before the event, which was attended by thousands of spectators and featured heightened security across the White House complex.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), members of the group allegedly discussed deploying drones carrying explosives over the event before opening fire on people attempting to flee the area.

The suspects have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and other related offences. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and could result in additional arrests.

FBI Director Kash Patel said law enforcement became aware of the alleged threat four days before the event and immediately launched a multi-state operation involving federal, state and local agencies.

“Thanks to the rapid action of the FBI, our partners and the Department of Justice, multiple individuals are now in custody and alleged planned attacks were stopped cold,” Patel said.

Investigators said they recovered firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, encrypted communications, maps and photographs of the White House vicinity. Court filings allege that members of the group discussed escape routes and post-attack plans.

Among those arrested was 19-year-old Tycen Proper of Ohio. Authorities said his mother alerted local law enforcement after becoming concerned about his recent behaviour, including firearms purchases and online interactions with unknown individuals.

According to court documents, family members reported that Proper had made disturbing statements, including remarks sympathetic to Adolf Hitler and antisemitic comments posted online.

When officers visited the family residence, they allegedly discovered thousands of rounds of ammunition and multiple firearms, including a recently purchased rifle painted with an American flag design.

Proper was subsequently taken for emergency psychiatric evaluation after authorities expressed concern about what they described as homicidal ideations. Information obtained during the investigation later helped federal agents identify additional suspects.

Another defendant, Daniel Eskridge 32, of Missouri, allegedly discussed preparing his property as a "safe house" and claimed to be constructing a bunker beneath a storage shed.

Federal investigators also allege that another suspect, Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, circulated a list of potential targets that authorities believe included President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and businessman Elon Musk.

Two California residents, Bryan Omar Roa and Michael Alan Thomas, were also arrested after searches of their homes allegedly uncovered evidence linking them to the conspiracy.

The UFC event proceeded without incident amid one of the largest security operations seen around the White House in recent years. Roads were closed, extensive fencing was erected and hundreds of security personnel were deployed throughout the area.

The event, staged on the White House South Lawn, formed part of celebrations marking both President Trump's 80th birthday and America's 250th anniversary.

Officials said court proceedings against the suspects are expected to continue in the coming weeks as investigators pursue additional leads.