COLUMBUS, Ohio (LOOTPRESS) — Federal authorities have charged a 19-year-old Ohio man with conspiracy and attempted murder offenses after investigators uncovered an alleged plot to carry out a coordinated attack targeting a UFC event scheduled to take place on the White House lawn.
According to a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Tycen Proper, of Knox County, is accused of participating in a conspiracy that allegedly planned to use explosives, drones, and armed shooters to attack attendees and high-profile targets during the June 14, 2026 event.
Federal prosecutors charged Proper with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, attempted murder of officers or employees of the United States, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and receipt or transfer of a firearm used to commit a felony.
Parents Alert Authorities
The investigation began on June 10 when Proper’s mother contacted authorities after becoming concerned about her son’s recent behavior, including his online communications and firearms purchases. According to the complaint, Proper’s father told deputies that his son had been planning “recons” and “missions” with people he had met online and intended to travel to meet them during the weekend of June 13.
Family members reported that Proper had recently purchased camping supplies, ballistic plates, firearms, large quantities of ammunition, magazines, and tactical gear. Authorities said he allegedly spent approximately $3,000 of graduation money acquiring the equipment.
Investigators photographed multiple firearms, plate carriers, and what they estimated to be thousands of rounds of ammunition before the equipment was voluntarily surrendered by family members.
Proper was later transported to a hospital after authorities sought emergency admission based on concerns about homicidal ideations.
Alleged Extremist Online Network
Federal investigators said Proper had become involved with an online group whose members claimed to be former military personnel and espoused anti-government views. According to interviews with Proper’s mother, the group discussed grievances involving government corruption, the Jeffrey Epstein case, and other political issues.
His mother told investigators she observed Proper researching locations near Washington, D.C., and receiving maps and imagery through text messages and Discord communications. She said Proper referred to planned “recon” activities and “hit-and-run missions,” which she interpreted as potential shootings.
Family members also reported that Proper had become increasingly isolated, spent much of his time communicating online, and had made concerning statements, including sympathetic remarks about Adolf Hitler and anti-Semitic posts on social media.
Search Reveals Alleged Attack Plans
After the FBI became involved, investigators executed search warrants at Proper’s residence and on his cellphone.
According to the complaint, a preliminary review of encrypted Signal chats revealed detailed plans for an attack in Washington, D.C., including maps of the National Capital Region, potential sniper positions, drone launch locations, and tactical planning documents.
Investigators said they discovered communications involving approximately 19 individuals, as well as smaller groups organized by assignments and locations. The chats allegedly included discussions about safe houses, escape routes, and methods of evading law enforcement following the attack.
Alleged White House Attack Plot
During an interview with investigators, Proper allegedly admitted to helping plan an attack targeting the UFC event scheduled for June 14 on the White House lawn. According to court documents, he told investigators that members of the group had initially connected through a TikTok group called “Vanguard of the Old” before moving conversations to encrypted platforms.
Investigators say Proper described a multi-stage attack in which members would travel to Fredericksburg, Virginia, before moving into Washington, D.C. He allegedly planned to bring firearms, ammunition, tactical gear, body armor, and additional ballistic equipment for other members.
According to the complaint, the plan called for drones carrying explosive devices to be flown over the UFC venue. Authorities allege the explosions were intended to force spectators and designated high-value targets to evacuate toward a secondary location where armed shooters would be positioned. Investigators said Proper described the attack as an effort to “jumpstart” a revolution in the United States.
Politicians Allegedly Identified as Targets
Federal investigators also reported finding communications discussing potential political targets.
According to the complaint, messages recovered from Proper’s phone referenced U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn and included images of U.S. Senator Jim Justice, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, U.S. Representative Carol Miller, and U.S. Representative Riley Moore. Investigators said the images appeared to have been obtained from a website that tracks campaign contributions related to pro-Israel political action committees.
Authorities noted that President Donald Trump was expected to attend the UFC event, along with members of Congress and other government officials.
Federal Charges Filed
The FBI alleges that evidence recovered during the investigation supports charges that Proper conspired with others to carry out a violent attack against government officials and attendees at the event.
A federal magistrate judge approved the criminal complaint and arrest warrant on June 12. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue working to identify additional individuals allegedly involved in the conspiracy.
