A newly unsealed federal criminal complaint is shedding light on what investigators describe as a chilling alleged plot targeting President Trump’s UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, an operation that federal authorities say was disrupted before it could be carried out.
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, the threat first surfaced on June 10 and quickly triggered a coordinated response involving the FBI, Department of Justice, and multiple law enforcement agencies. Patel announced on June 16 that several suspects had been taken into custody and that the planned attacks were “stopped cold” before they could be executed.
The central figure named in the federal complaint is Tycen Proper, who now faces several serious charges, including conspiracy, attempted murder of a federal officer or employee, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and receipt or transfer of a firearm used to commit a felony.
As with any criminal case, the allegations remain unproven until tested in court. However, the details outlined in the complaint paint a disturbing picture of what investigators believe was an organized effort to target high-profile attendees at the White House event.
According to the affidavit, investigators discovered Signal chat groups containing maps, tactical planning materials, drone-related discussions, and alleged sniper positioning diagrams focused on the National Capital Region. The complaint also states that Proper admitted to participating in planning efforts connected to the June 14 event.
Federal investigators say the group initially formed through a TikTok chat called “Vanguard of the Old.” According to the filing, members shared personal information, identification documents, fitness videos, and other materials designed to establish trust among participants.
The complaint alleges that the organization eventually developed a tiered structure. Members reportedly were assigned different responsibilities, with top-level participants expected to meet physical fitness standards and acquire firearms, body armor, and other equipment.
Perhaps the most alarming allegation involves the operational plan itself.
According to the affidavit, investigators believe the group intended to stage a demonstration near the White House while drones carrying explosive devices detonated over the UFC venue. The alleged goal was to force attendees to evacuate toward predetermined locations where armed shooters would be positioned.
The filing claims that wealthy individuals and political figures attending the event were considered high-value targets. Investigators allege the attack was intended to “jumpstart” a broader revolution inside the United States.
Authorities say evidence recovered from Proper’s cellphone appeared consistent with statements attributed to him during interviews. Investigators reportedly found multiple Signal groups organized around specific roles and locations, including smaller chats dedicated to alleged shooting positions.
Fox News reporter Bill Melugin reported that investigators also identified a California man, Michael Alan Thomas, as one of the alleged organizers connected to the case.
BREAKING: Details via federal arrest affidavit reveal that a California man named Michael Alan Thomas was one of the alleged organizers of the alleged UFC White House terror plot. Feds say he admitted he believes the U.S. government is run by elites who sacrifice and eat… pic.twitter.com/L8i1bTR9Em
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) June 16, 2026
🚨 BREAKING: Organizer of the terror plot against President Trump at UFC Freedom 250 was aiming to OVERTHROW Trump based on "deep involvement with Jeffrey Epstein," per Fox
Democrats keep parroting this lie KNOWING it'll encourage crazies to KlLL Trump. It's EVIL.
Per FBI, "the… https://t.co/PLU7nLxmvw pic.twitter.com/OGpjfwkuO4
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 16, 2026
What separates this case from many internet threats, according to investigators, is the level of planning allegedly involved. The affidavit describes role assignments, communications structures, tactical maps, equipment requirements, and coordinated operational discussions.
For federal authorities, the case serves as another reminder of how online radicalization and conspiracy-driven movements can allegedly evolve into real-world security threats. While the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty, the allegations outlined in the complaint suggest law enforcement believes this was far more than reckless online chatter.
If the government’s allegations are ultimately proven in court, the disruption of the plot may have prevented what investigators believe could have been a devastating attack at one of the highest-profile events of the year. For now, the legal process moves forward, and the accused will have the opportunity to challenge the government’s claims before a judge and jury.