FBI thwarts alleged attack with explosive drones against UFC event at the White House
The investigation points to a group that planned to cause a mass evacuation and attack politicians and attendees during the celebration
Federal authorities revealed new details about an alleged plot to attack the UFC America 250 event, held last weekend at the White House as part of activities for the 250th anniversary of the United States and President Donald Trump's 80th birthday.
According to court documents cited by CBS News, the FBI managed to thwart a plan that included the use of drones loaded with explosives and armed attacks against assistants and officials considered “high-value targets.”
So far, at least five people are in custody. One of the main suspects is Tycen Proper, 19, who faces federal charges for alleged conspiracy to commit crimes against the United States and attempted murder of a federal agent.
A coordinated plan with drones and snipers
According to an affidavit filed by the FBI, Proper admitted to engaging in conversations with other people through groups on TikTok, which later migrated to the encrypted messaging app Signal.
Investigators maintain that the group planned to meet in Virginia before moving to Washington. The goal was to organize a demonstration near the White House while small drones with explosives were dropped over the area where the UFC event was taking place.
According to the investigation, the suspects expected that the explosions would cause a mass evacuation to the southern sector of the compound. At that time, other members of the group would act as additional snipers and marksmen.
Court documents indicate that possible targets included politicians, public figures and wealthy people attending the event.
The alert came from the family itself
The investigation began after relatives of the young man alerted authorities about worrying changes in his behavior.
According to the FBI, Proper's mother expressed concern about his recent purchases of weapons, ammunition and tactical equipment, as well as his online activities. During a search of his home, agents found ammunition, tactical vests and other equipment related to the alleged plot.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the threat was detected on June 10 and highlighted coordination between federal agencies.
“Thanks to the quick action of the FBI, our partners and the Department of Justice, several people are now in custody and the planned attacks were thwarted,” Patel wrote on the X social network.
For his part, Matt Quinn, deputy director of the Secret Service, described the case as a “serious threat,” although he assured that the event was never at risk due to the preventive work of the authorities.
The investigation continues and authorities are seeking to identify other possible parties.

