How the White House UFC Drone Attack Plot Was Uncovered Before the Event
Isla Montclair
White House UFC Event Becomes Target of Alleged Drone Attack Plot
New details from federal court documents have revealed the scope of an alleged attack plot connected to the UFC Freedom 250 event held on the South Lawn of the White House.
According to investigators, members of a network discussed a plan that involved flying explosive loaded drones near the venue before carrying out a shooting attack against crowds fleeing the area. The event, attended by President Donald Trump and other high profile figures, took place on June 14 under heavy security.
Authorities say the plot was disrupted before it could be carried out, preventing what officials believe could have become a mass casualty incident.
FBI Investigation Reveals Multi State Network
The FBI investigation uncovered communications involving approximately 23 individuals spread across several states.
Court records show that participants allegedly used encrypted messaging applications including Signal and SimpleX to exchange information. Investigators recovered conversations discussing maps, targets, operational planning and recruitment efforts.
Among those identified were Bryan Omar Roa and Michael Alan Thomas from Southern California. Search warrants executed at locations connected to the suspects reportedly uncovered firearms, ammunition, extended magazines and tactical equipment.
Investigators allege that Thomas admitted to helping organize aspects of the operation and recruit participants. Roa denied involvement in the conspiracy but acknowledged plans to travel to Washington during the event period.
Ohio Tip Leads to Major Breakthrough
The investigation accelerated after a woman in Ohio contacted police with concerns about her son, 19 year old Tycen Proper.
According to court filings, Proper had acquired a significant quantity of weapons, ballistic plates and ammunition. During interviews with investigators, he allegedly admitted involvement in planning a coordinated attack connected to the UFC event.
Authorities say Proper identified several other members of the network and provided information that helped investigators understand the structure of the group.
His mother told investigators that participants appeared to use religious messaging and anti government narratives to influence and recruit members. She also expressed concern that online communities had manipulated her son over time.
Online Radicalization and Encrypted Communications
One of the most significant aspects of the case is how the group allegedly formed and coordinated online.
According to court documents, members first connected through a TikTok group before moving discussions to encrypted messaging platforms. Investigators say participants shared extremist anti government views and believed the United States needed to be fundamentally rebuilt.
Authorities also recovered journals, chat records and social media content during the investigation. A notebook allegedly linked to Proper contained dozens of names including politicians and public figures.
The FBI says these findings highlight the growing challenge of monitoring extremist networks that increasingly operate through private online channels and encrypted communications.
Questions Remain About Funding and Coordination
The scale of the alleged operation has raised questions among senior US officials.
Vice President JD Vance stated that a network involving more than 20 individuals would likely require significant coordination and resources. Investigators are now examining how the group organized itself and whether additional individuals played supporting roles.
Several court records remain sealed, meaning further details about the investigation could emerge in the coming weeks.
White House Security Threat Stopped Before Event
While the UFC Freedom 250 event proceeded without incident, newly released documents show how close authorities came to confronting a potentially serious security threat.
Federal investigators continue to examine the group’s communications, recruitment methods and operational planning. The case is also expected to fuel broader discussions about online radicalization, domestic extremism and the role of encrypted platforms in organizing violent plots.
For now, officials say the disruption of the alleged White House UFC drone attack plot demonstrates the importance of early reporting, intelligence sharing and coordinated law enforcement action.
Sources:
Drone attack plot for UFC show at White House has California connections. What we know
https://www.kcra.com/article/ufc-white-house-planned-attacks-fbi-arrests/71600759
FBI says plot to attack White House UFC event with drones thwarted
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-17/fbi-says-plot-to-attack-white-house-ufc-event-with-drones-thwarted/105434492 Department of Justice Court Documents and Affidavits Related to the Investigation
https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1446021/dl?inline
