The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Secret Service have successfully thwarted a sophisticated plot targeting the high-profile Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event held at the White House on Sunday. The event, which celebrated President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the nation’s 250th anniversary, drew an estimated 4,300 attendees to the South Lawn, with an additional 85,000 watching at a nearby fan zone.
The FBI’s swift action, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, led to the arrest of multiple suspects across several states. The plot, which involved the use of explosive-laden drones and a coordinated sniper team, was uncovered through a combination of tips and investigative work.
The Unfolding of the Plot
The investigation began on June 10, when authorities were alerted to the potential threat. A 19-year-old Ohio resident, Tycen Proper, was identified as a key figure in the plot. Proper had been communicating with a group online, expressing ultra-religious and anti-government sentiments. His mother, concerned about his large firearms purchases and online communications, contacted local authorities.
Proper admitted to being part of the planning during an FBI interview on June 11. The group, which began communicating around March 2026 through a TikTok group called ‘Vanguard of the Old,’ allegedly aimed to ‘jumpstart’ a revolution by targeting high-value attendees at the UFC event. Their grievances included government corruption, the handling of the Epstein files, and other perceived injustices.
The Role of Encrypted Communications
The plotters used encrypted messaging apps like Signal to coordinate their actions. Court documents reveal that the plan involved striking nearby buildings with drones to create panic and draw the crowd toward a sniper team. A ‘second wave’ of attackers was allegedly supposed to storm the White House gate.
One suspect was arrested in Ohio last week, where investigators obtained access to encrypted messages involving other alleged plotters. He has been charged with conspiracy to commit an offence against the US and attempted murder of a federal officer. Five people are currently in custody, with more suspects believed to be at large.
The Response from Law Enforcement
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrests and praised the rapid action of the FBI, Department of Justice, and other partners in a multi-state operation. ‘Allegedly planned attacks were stopped cold,’ Patel stated in a social media post. The Secret Service also played a crucial role, working around the clock to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran emphasized the collaborative effort, stating that formal comments regarding the specifics of the case will be made available in court filings. Vice President JD Vance highlighted the significance of the planned attack, suggesting that it was a coordinated, planned terrorist plot involving serious funding and coordination.
President Trump, attending the G7 summit in France, expressed ignorance of the plot when asked about it. However, Vance indicated that the FBI was informing the public due to the scale of the planned attack.
The event, which featured 14 mixed martial arts fighters competing in back-to-back fights, was part of a series of celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. The White House had erected a massive arena known as The Claw for the occasion, and some members of Trump’s administration and celebrities were in attendance.
The thwarted plot comes amidst heightened security concerns, following a shooting at the White House Correspondents dinner and an incident where a man was killed by Secret Service agents after opening fire at a White House checkpoint.
