Federal authorities have arrested and charged at least five individuals in connection with an alleged plot to attack a UFC event held on the White House lawn last weekend. The suspects, spanning multiple states, are accused of conspiring to use drones loaded with explosives, combined with coordinated sniper attacks, targeting government officials and others attending the event.
Among those charged are Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of Calimesa, California, and Michael Thomas, 32, of Pinon Hills, California, both facing conspiracy to commit murder charges. Other individuals arrested include Tycen C. Proper, 19, of Danville, Ohio; Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, of Kidder, Mississippi; and Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska. The arrests occurred on the day before the UFC event, which was held outdoors on the White House lawn.
The investigation began after Proper’s mother alerted authorities on June 10 regarding concerns about her son’s behavior, including firearms purchases and troubling online communications. Law enforcement took Proper into custody and admitted him to a mental health facility following reports of homicidal ideations. During an interview with law enforcement, Proper reportedly confessed to planning a coordinated attack in collaboration with others.
Court documents and federal complaints reveal that the alleged plot involved detonating explosives delivered by drones on the north side of the White House to create panic. The chaos would then drive attendees toward predetermined sniper positions for targeted killings of political figures. Proper identified several high-profile targets in chat messages, including U.S. senators and members of Congress, citing political affiliations and influence. He also expressed conspiracy-driven beliefs, referencing figures such as Jeffrey Epstein and alleging government corruption.
Michael Thomas acknowledged his role in planning the attack and encouraged participation, while Roa denied involvement, claiming he intended only to attend the event as a protester before vehicle issues prevented him from traveling. Family members of Roa reported behavioral changes raising concerns about potential violence, with references to Roa’s intense firearms use and intentions to travel to Washington, D.C., for an unspecified major event.
Investigators found weapons and tactical gear during searches of Thomas’s residence, including a pistol, hunting rifle, AR-style rifle, and multiple ammunition magazines. In Roa’s vehicle, agents discovered firearms, a tactical belt, and radios. Eskridge was reported to have discussed building drones and attempting to acquire explosives from military facilities, while Alvarez allegedly claimed in online communications to be manufacturing drones and explosives, though authorities have not confirmed the presence of explosive materials in his possession.
FBI Director Kash Patel commended the swift coordinated response by multiple agencies, stating that the individuals were taken into custody before they could carry out their plans. Authorities noted that while the plot’s scope was serious, it remained unclear whether the suspects had secured explosives or sufficient resources to execute the attack.
The suspects made their initial court appearances last week, with Roa and Thomas detained without bond. Proper faces additional charges, including attempted murder of a federal officer, and is scheduled for a detention hearing. The legal proceedings are ongoing as investigators continue to examine the full extent of the conspiracy and potential additional participants.