New details from the arrest affidavit reveal the twisted motive behind the foiled terror plot targeting the UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House South Lawn.
The FBI and partners stopped what could have been a devastating multi-phase attack involving explosive-laden drones meant to spark chaos and drive crowds toward sniper positions, followed by a second wave storming the White House gates. Multiple suspects are now in custody after a multi-state operation that began when the threat surfaced on June 10.
According to the federal complaint, one of the key alleged organizers is Michael Alan Thomas, a California man who told investigators he believes the U.S. government is controlled by elites who sacrifice and eat children. He claimed these elites had ties to Jeffrey Epstein and are being protected by President Trump. Thomas and others used encrypted Signal chats to plan the attack, sharing maps of the UFC event and suggesting sniper placement spots. Authorities recovered rifles and ammunition during the investigation.
Screenshot from the affidavit:
A separate defendant, 19-year-old Tycen Proper from Ohio, allegedly spent $3,000 of his graduation money on guns, ammunition, extra magazines, and other gear. He reportedly quit his job to meet up with people he connected with online for what he called “missions” and “recons.” Phone and weapon photos released in connection with the case belong to Proper.
Feds say Proper’s mother made the initial call to police when she became concerned about his activities — and that tip ultimately helped uncover the wider network and plot.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the plot was dismantled through rapid, coordinated work across agencies. He noted that while the outcome reflects strong investigative efforts, this kind of proactive protection of large public events is standard for the team. Secret Service Director Sean M. Curran added that agents and technical teams worked around the clock in the days leading up to the event to identify and hold those responsible accountable.
The affidavit makes clear the attack wasn’t random. It was driven by deep conspiracy beliefs tied to the Epstein files and a view that powerful figures needed to be targeted in spectacular fashion. The plotters apparently saw the high-profile UFC gathering on the White House lawn as the perfect stage for maximum impact.
Thanks to the FBI’s quick action and strong interagency cooperation under this administration, the attack never had a chance to unfold. The contrast with past years is stark — threats like this are being taken seriously and stopped before they can harm innocent people.
This case is a reminder that real dangers still exist, often fueled by extreme ideologies and online radicalization. The fact that American citizens were allegedly willing to kill fellow Americans over conspiracy theories about elites and Epstein shows how dangerous these beliefs can become when they turn violent.
Law enforcement did their job. The public can be grateful the attack was foiled.
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