Eight Men Indicted Over Alleged Plot to Attack White House UFC Event With Drones and Snipers

Eight men have been indicted on federal terrorism and murder conspiracy charges over an alleged plot to attack a UFC event held at the White House, according to a federal indictment unsealed in Ohio. Prosecutors allege the group planned to use explosive-laden drones and sniper attacks to target attendees, including President Donald Trump and other senior officials.

The indictment consolidates multiple criminal cases previously filed in several states into a single prosecution, alleging that the suspects worked together as part of a coordinated conspiracy that authorities say was disrupted before it could be carried out.

Federal investigators have not disclosed how close the group came to executing the alleged attack before law enforcement intervened.

What do prosecutors allege the group planned?

According to the indictment, the alleged conspiracy began in May, when the defendants started acquiring firearms, ammunition, drones, explosives, body armor, medical supplies, communications equipment and other materials.

Federal prosecutors allege the group intended to launch explosive-equipped drones into the White House event before opening fire on people attempting to flee.

Investigators also allege the suspects communicated through encrypted online chat groups, organizing participants into different operational tiers based on their planned roles.

Court documents state that members of the group also participated in firearms training and combat preparation before the planned attack.

How was the alleged plot uncovered?

Authorities said they first learned of a potential threat to the White House UFC event on June 10, four days before the event—known as Freedom 250—was scheduled to take place.

The Justice Department initially announced criminal complaints in several federal districts, including Ohio, Missouri, Washington, Nebraska and California.

The new federal indictment combines those separate cases into a single conspiracy prosecution in Ohio.

Officials allege the suspects were motivated by fringe conspiracy theories and hoped the attack would destabilize the U.S. government.

Who has been charged?

Among those named in the indictment is Tycen C. Proper, 19, of Danville, Ohio, who was arrested during the weekend of the planned event.

Federal prosecutors also identified Chandler D. Scaggs, 21, of Chapmanville, West Virginia, as the eighth defendant charged in the case.

According to court documents, investigators allege Scaggs was assigned to serve as one of the snipers during the planned attack.

Authorities say Scaggs allegedly remained willing to participate even after communication with other members of the group was disrupted following earlier arrests.

His attorney, Eric Brehm, said:

"Our office is thoroughly reviewing the allegations."

Brehm declined further comment on the case.

Who were the alleged targets?

Federal prosecutors allege the planned attack targeted several high-profile public figures attending the White House event.

According to the indictment, the alleged targets included:

• President Donald Trump

• Vice President JD Vance

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

• Elon Musk

• Other unnamed federal officials and "high-value targets"

Investigators allege the defendants intended to create mass casualties and widespread panic during the event.

What charges do the defendants face?

All eight defendants have been charged with two federal conspiracy offenses.

The indictment includes charges of:

• Conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists.

• Conspiracy to commit murder on federal government property and to murder a federal government official.

Federal law provides a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison for conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, while conspiracy to commit murder carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment upon conviction.

The allegations outlined in the indictment have not yet been tested at trial, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Questions About the White House UFC Plot Case

How many people have been charged?

Federal prosecutors have indicted eight men in connection with the alleged conspiracy.

What was the alleged attack plan?

According to the indictment, prosecutors allege the group intended to use explosive drones followed by sniper attacks targeting attendees as they fled the event.

Was the alleged attack carried out?

No. Federal authorities said the alleged conspiracy was disrupted before the planned attack could take place.

What penalties do the defendants face?

If convicted, the defendants could face up to 15 years in prison on the terrorism conspiracy charge and up to life imprisonment on the murder conspiracy charge.

The consolidated indictment marks the latest step in what prosecutors describe as a coordinated federal investigation spanning multiple states. The defendants are expected to appear in federal court as the criminal proceedings move forward, where prosecutors will seek to prove the allegations outlined in the indictment.