Federal authorities disrupted a plot by a group of armed individuals connected through social media to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event held on the South Lawn of the White House on Sunday night. The plan involved a multi-stage assault, including the use of explosive drones followed by a sniper ambush, targeting then-President Donald Trump and other government officials, according to court filings and law enforcement officials.
The FBI uncovered the scheme after infiltrating encrypted Signal chat groups where the suspects, described as “ultra-religious” and anti-government, exchanged plans to carry out the attack. The group initially organized on TikTok under the name “Vanguard of the Old” before moving discussions to a private Signal channel called “Hunters.” The investigation led to the arrest of at least five suspects last week, with up to 10 others still sought by authorities.
The suspects face charges that include conspiracy to commit murder and acts of violence against the White House, carrying potential penalties of life imprisonment and additional prison terms. The plot reportedly targeted high-profile figures including Trump, then-Vice President J.D. Vance, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, members of Congress, and several West Virginia state lawmakers.
Among those arrested is Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, identified as a suspected ringleader who expressed intentions to cause maximum casualties. Another key figure, Tycen Proper of Ohio, was apprehended after his mother alerted police to his recent firearms acquisitions and concerning online activity. According to court documents, Proper’s family described him as deeply influenced by a Christian identity and ex-military claims, though authorities indicate that religious beliefs were being exploited within the group to motivate violent plans.
The suspects voiced grievances ranging from dissatisfaction with government actions—including handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related cases and concerns over local resource use by data centers—to animosity toward so-called “capitalist elites” and pro-Israel political influence. In private chats, the group debated targeting senators such as Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and West Virginia politicians including Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, Sen. Jim Justice, and GOP representatives Carol Miller, Riley Moore, as well as state delegate Tristan Leavitt.
During a search of Proper’s residence, law enforcement officials uncovered tactical clothing, ammunition, and spent cartridge casings. Proper admitted during a June 11 interview to plotting the coordinated attack as an effort to trigger a “revolution” in the United States, motivated by the belief that the nation was heading in the wrong direction.
The multi-jurisdictional investigation spans several states, including California, Ohio, Missouri, and Nebraska. It remains ongoing as authorities work to apprehend additional suspects believed to be connected to the plot.