FBI Unveils Plot to Attack UFC Event at White House
19 year old would be attacker – Law enforcement authorities have identified multiple individuals involved in planning an assault on the UFC fight night event held at the White House, including potential use of drones and a firearm. The investigation, which revealed messages exchanged between suspects, was disclosed through criminal complaints unsealed on Tuesday. These documents outline the steps taken by a collaborative effort involving the Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to uncover the conspiracy.
Family Alert Sparks Investigation
The plot came to light when Tycen Proper’s mother contacted local police on June 10, expressing concerns about her son’s behavior. She noted his recent actions, such as purchasing firearms and engaging with radical online groups. The complaint states that Proper had also been researching maps of Washington, DC, near the White House, indicating his interest in potential attack sites. His mother shared that her son had mentioned the group’s focus on “recon” and “hit and run missions,” according to the filed documents.
“I was concerned about my son because of his recent conduct,” said Proper’s mother in the complaint. “He had been communicating with a group of extremists and was looking at multiple locations for an attack.”
Proper’s father later informed officers that his son had intended to travel to Washington, DC, over the weekend of the UFC event to meet with others. He had reportedly gathered “gear, food, ballistic plates, a new shotgun, a rifle, ‘lots’ of ammunition, extra magazines, and plate carriers” using funds from his recent graduation, the complaint adds. The firearms included an AR-15 styled rifle and a bullpup rifle, which features a magazine positioned behind the trigger, both painted with the American flag.
Radical Ideology and Target Selection
Court records reveal that Proper joined a group advocating accelerationism, an ideology that seeks to hasten societal collapse to create a new, improved order. Members of the group expressed frustration with government corruption and the handling of Jeffrey Epstein’s cases, as well as other policies they deemed detrimental. Some explicitly criticized leaders connected to Epstein, while Proper focused on lawmakers supportive of Israel.
“They expressed ultra-religious and antigovernment sentiments, specifically citing grievances about government corruption, the handling of the Epstein files, data centers taking up all the water in communities, and other government actions,” the complaint states.
Proper’s involvement began in March 2026 through TikTok, where he connected with the “Vanguard of the Old,” an online collective described as ex-military and Christian-based. The group believed the United States should be dismantled and restructured. Their private chats included 19 members, with smaller subgroups assigned roles such as shooters and strategic planners. Some discussed using the Potomac River as an escape route after an attack, according to law enforcement.
Attack Strategy and Homicidal Ideations
Proper was taken to a local hospital by police on the night of the incident due to “homicidal ideations.” His mother reported that he had been planning to meet with others in the group, while his father noted the accumulation of equipment. The FBI’s affidavit indicates Proper admitted to coordinating with the group to strike the US government during the UFC event. He had also shared images of pro-Israel lawmakers as potential targets, the complaint says.
The group’s strategy involved deploying drones equipped with explosives to instigate panic, drawing high-value individuals like wealthy citizens and politicians to evacuate. Once inside the White House area, snipers and other attackers would be positioned to target these individuals. Proper claimed he was attending a protest but that several group members were “intent on violence,” according to the complaint. He also allegedly planned to pick up another member in Ohio, who was acquiring a firearm for the trip.
Operational Planning and Weapon Details
A search of Proper’s home uncovered a detailed chat containing imagery of Washington, DC, highlighting sniper positions and “potential drone launch locations.” The conversation detailed tactical plans for the attack, including the use of explosives and coordinated movements. The discovery of these materials prompted further scrutiny into the group’s activities and their alignment with accelerationist goals.
Proper’s equipment, as described in the complaint, included a variety of weapons and gear. The AR-15 rifle and bullpup rifle were part of his arsenal, with the latter designed for rapid deployment. The presence of extra magazines and plate carriers suggests a readiness for prolonged engagement. Law enforcement noted the significance of his purchase of a new shotgun and rifle, which were likely intended for use in the attack.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Proper has been charged with multiple offenses, including conspiracy to commit an offense against the US and attempted murder of any federal officer or employee. He has not yet entered a plea, and CNN has contacted an attorney listed for him. The investigation continues to assess the scope of the plot and potential accomplices.
The FBI’s role in the operation was pivotal, as they coordinated with the Secret Service to monitor the suspects’ communications. The group’s online presence and private messaging apps were critical to their planning, allowing them to coordinate without external oversight. The speed at which the plot was discovered highlights the importance of digital surveillance in modern counterterrorism efforts.
Authorities are now reviewing the full extent of the group’s plans and the number of individuals involved. The case has drawn attention to the growing influence of extremist ideologies in domestic settings and the potential for such groups to target high-profile events. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on understanding the motivations and structure of the alleged conspiracy.
Broader Implications
The incident underscores the role of social media in radicalization and the integration of technology into attack planning. Drones, once a tool for surveillance, are now being considered for use in explosive devices, adding a new dimension to threats against public spaces. The involvement of a 19-year-old raises questions about youth engagement in extremist movements and the accessibility of weapons to young individuals.
As the case progresses, law enforcement will likely emphasize the importance of community vigilance and the need for early intervention in identifying potential threats. The FBI’s affidavit and court documents serve as a reminder of the evolving nature of security challenges in the digital age. With Proper’s father and mother providing key information, the investigation continues to piece together the timeline and intentions of the plot.
Experts suggest that the group’s belief in accelerationism may have influenced their decision to target the UFC event, which was held at a symbolic location. The combination of drones and firearms reflects a blend of modern and traditional tactics, showcasing the group’s adaptability. The legal charges against Proper are a significant step in addressing the threat, but the broader implications for national security and public safety remain under scrutiny.
