The FBI stopped an alleged plan to attack the Ultimate Fighting Championship event at the White House on Sunday, leading to the arrest of at least five individuals from various parts of the country.
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“On June 10, FBI and our law enforcement partners became aware of a potential threat to the UFC America 250 event in Washington, D. C. involving individuals outside of the National Capital Region – and thanks to the rapid action of this FBI, our partners, and the Department of Justice in a multi-state operation, multiple individuals are now in custody and allegedly planned attacks were stopped cold,” Patel said in the post.
Five suspects were taken into custody by the FBI regarding the intended attack; they were found with thousands of rounds of ammunition, AR-15 rifles, tactical gear, radios, and laser pointers. They had detailed plans outlining what type of attack they wanted to execute, where it would happen, when it would take place, and how they intended to carry it out.
The investigation has involved multiple agencies from federal, state, and local law enforcement; with the U. S. Secret Service taking charge.
Audience arrives for the UFC event at the White House on June 14, 2026. Natalie Keyssar for NBC News
In an affidavit released Tuesday, details emerged about how those involved allegedly aimed to target the UFC fight using explosive-laden drones alongside shooters who would fire at fleeing spectators. According to this affidavit, nineteen people participated in conversations discussing this alleged plot.
Fox News was first to report details about this plan.
Among those arrested is Tycen Proper, a 19-year-old from Ohio who was charged with attempted murder and several firearm violations after admitting his involvement in planning an attack according to court documents.
FBI task force officer Christopher Betts mentioned that Proper’s mother contacted police last Wednesday due to worries about her son stemming from “recent conduct,” which included buying firearms and talking online with “random” individuals.
Family members also informed authorities that Proper had made “concerning statements,” such as expressing admiration for Adolf Hitler and posting anti-Semitic remarks on Facebook.
When officers arrived at their home in Knox County, they reportedly discovered thousands of rounds of ammunition along with an assault-style rifle and a bullpup rifle – purchased just days earlier – decorated with an American flag.
“The equipment was turned over voluntarily by the family to law enforcement,” Betts wrote.
The sheriff’s office then took Proper for emergency evaluation “based on homicidal ideations,” he added.
The following day saw communication from sheriff’s officials reaching out to the FBI.
In a conversation with Proper’s mother detailed by Betts’s report she stated that her son “had recently begun interacting with a group online that consisted of ex-military personnel who claimed Christian beliefs.”
Proper purportedly explained his attack strategy during questioning by investigators; he indicated that group members would gather in Fredericksburg Virginia one or two days prior to UFC fight.
“On June 10, FBI and our law enforcement partners became aware of a potential threat to the UFC America 250 event in Washington, D. C. involving individuals outside of the National Capital Region – and thanks to the rapid action of this FBI, our partners, and the Department of Justice in a multi-state operation, multiple individuals are now in custody and allegedly planned attacks were stopped cold,” Patel said in the post.
Five suspects were taken into custody by the FBI regarding the intended attack; they were found with thousands of rounds of ammunition, AR-15 rifles, tactical gear, radios, and laser pointers. They had detailed plans outlining what type of attack they wanted to execute, where it would happen, when it would take place, and how they intended to carry it out.
The investigation has involved multiple agencies from federal, state, and local law enforcement; with the U. S. Secret Service taking charge.
Audience arrives for the UFC event at the White House on June 14, 2026. Natalie Keyssar for NBC News
In an affidavit released Tuesday, details emerged about how those involved allegedly aimed to target the UFC fight using explosive-laden drones alongside shooters who would fire at fleeing spectators. According to this affidavit, nineteen people participated in conversations discussing this alleged plot.
Fox News was first to report details about this plan.
Among those arrested is Tycen Proper, a 19-year-old from Ohio who was charged with attempted murder and several firearm violations after admitting his involvement in planning an attack according to court documents.
FBI task force officer Christopher Betts mentioned that Proper’s mother contacted police last Wednesday due to worries about her son stemming from “recent conduct,” which included buying firearms and talking online with “random” individuals.
Family members also informed authorities that Proper had made “concerning statements,” such as expressing admiration for Adolf Hitler and posting anti-Semitic remarks on Facebook.
When officers arrived at their home in Knox County, they reportedly discovered thousands of rounds of ammunition along with an assault-style rifle and a bullpup rifle – purchased just days earlier – decorated with an American flag.
“The equipment was turned over voluntarily by the family to law enforcement,” Betts wrote.
The sheriff’s office then took Proper for emergency evaluation “based on homicidal ideations,” he added.
The following day saw communication from sheriff’s officials reaching out to the FBI.
In a conversation with Proper’s mother detailed by Betts’s report she stated that her son “had recently begun interacting with a group online that consisted of ex-military personnel who claimed Christian beliefs.”
Proper purportedly explained his attack strategy during questioning by investigators; he indicated that group members would gather in Fredericksburg Virginia one or two days prior to UFC fight.
