Federal prosecutors say what began as online conversations among like-minded individuals quickly evolved into something far more dangerous, culminating in an alleged plan to carry out a mass-casualty attack targeting one of the nation’s highest-profile public events.
Authorities say the alleged conspiracy advanced well beyond rhetoric, with investigators claiming the suspects acquired weapons, trained together and began traveling toward Washington before the plot was disrupted.
A federal grand jury has indicted eight men on charges related to an alleged plan to use explosive-laden drones and firearms to carry out a mass-casualty attack during a planned UFC event at the White House.
The indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder on federal property, including the alleged planned killing of federal officials and other high-profile individuals.
Among those indicted is 19-year-old Tycen Proper of Danville, Ohio.
The other defendants are Abraham Alvarez, Daniel Eskridge, William Falkner, Jordan Rincker, Brian O. Roa, Michael Thomas and Chandler De Skaggs of West Virginia.
According to federal prosecutors, the investigation began on June 10 after a member of Proper’s family contacted the Knox County Sheriff’s Office with concerns.
Investigators say information gathered through interviews, intelligence analysis and search warrants executed across multiple states led them to identify additional suspects and uncover what they allege was a coordinated conspiracy.
“Through this investigation, we learned the group allegedly planned to carry out a mass casualty attack involving the use of drones armed with explosives and firearms meant to shoot people fleeing in the crowds,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie said.
According to the indictment, members of the alleged conspiracy acquired firearms, ammunition and body armor while meeting to conduct marksmanship and combat training.
Prosecutors also allege the group purchased a 3D printer to manufacture drones, developed travel plans and began making their way toward Washington, D.C.
Federal officials said at least two defendants met in person before the planned trip.
According to prosecutors, one defendant began driving from California but was unable to complete the trip after his vehicle broke down, while another allegedly continued searching for transportation after losing contact with Proper.
U.S. Attorney Gerard Gerace said investigators discovered multiple online chat groups in which participants allegedly discussed various aspects of the operation.
“These men were not simply airing grievances from behind their keyboards and sharing like-minded political ideologies,” Gerace said.
“Rather, they took action to carry out a plot to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event and to murder federal officials at the highest levels of our government.”
The indictment alleges the defendants provided weapons, equipment and logistical support to one another as the alleged conspiracy progressed.
Federal prosecutors emphasized that the charges contained in the indictment are allegations and that each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
The conspiracy to commit murder on federal property charge is punishable by up to life in prison if the defendants are convicted.
Gerace said the investigation remains active but declined to say whether additional arrests or charges are expected.
Attorneys representing the defendants have not publicly responded to the allegations, and Proper’s attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment, Spectrum News reported.
The case will now proceed through the federal court system as prosecutors seek to prove that the eight men moved beyond online discussions and took concrete steps toward carrying out what authorities describe as a planned mass-casualty terrorist attack targeting the White House event.
