19-year-old would-be attacker of UFC event sought to use drones and was referred to police by his parents, FBI says

19-Year-Old Would-Be Attacker of UFC Event Sought to Use Drones and Was Referred to Police by His Parents, FBI Says

Federal Charges Against Potential Attackers

19 year old would be attacker – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has charged several individuals in connection with plans to assault the UFC fight night event at the White House. The plot, outlined in criminal complaints unsealed Tuesday, involved multiple people discussing strategies to attack the event using drones and a gunman. Law enforcement agencies, including the Secret Service, reportedly uncovered messages detailing the conspiracy among the accused. The investigation revealed coordinated efforts between the group and the White House as a target, with specific tactical details shared in private communications.

Family’s Concerns Triggered Investigation

Tycen Proper, a 19-year-old defendant, was identified as a key figure in the alleged plot. His mother, who had been monitoring his behavior, contacted local authorities on June 10, expressing worries about her son’s recent actions. According to the complaint, Proper had purchased firearms and engaged in online discussions with a radical group. She also mentioned that her son had been researching locations in Washington, DC, near the White House, which he described as potential sites for reconnaissance and hit-and-run operations. The mother’s report provided the initial lead that prompted the FBI’s deeper inquiry.

“I was concerned about my son because of his recent conduct,” said Proper’s mother in the complaint. “He had been buying guns and communicating with a group of radicals online.”

Ideological Motivations Behind the Plot

Proper’s involvement in the group was tied to an ideology known as accelerationism, which aims to hasten societal collapse to create a new, improved order. Court documents state that the group he joined focused on dismantling the current system, with members expressing disdain for figures like Jeffrey Epstein and his connections to government corruption. Some participants in the chats voiced opposition to lawmakers who supported Israel, while others emphasized anti-Semitic views and accusations that elites manipulate communities through secretive government actions. These beliefs were further amplified by a specific reference to President Donald Trump’s alleged role in protecting the establishment.

Weapons and Tactical Planning

During a home search, law enforcement found detailed maps of Washington, DC, along with a chat group that outlined sniper positions and drone launch sites. The documents highlight Proper’s meticulous preparation, including the accumulation of various weapons and supplies. His father told officers that Proper had been planning to travel to meet the group over the weekend of the event, using his graduation funds to stockpile gear such as ballistic plates, a new shotgun, a rifle, and “lots” of ammunition. The firearms included an AR-15-style rifle and a bullpup model, both adorned with American flag motifs.

“He had been planning to leave to meet up with the individuals,” stated Proper’s father in the complaint. “He had recently amassed gear, food, and extra magazines.”

Co-Conspirators and Regional Arrests

The FBI’s investigation led to the arrest of multiple co-conspirators. Two were detained in California, while others were apprehended in Nebraska and Missouri. All have been charged with conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. The group’s structure was decentralized, with members organizing into smaller chats based on roles such as shooters and location scouts. One private chat included 19 individuals, and additional groups formed for specialized tasks, including escape routes and logistics.

Escape Plan and Operational Details

Some members of the group reportedly discussed using the Potomac River as a means of evading capture after an attack. The tactical plan, detailed in the chat, outlined multiple phases of the operation, including reconnaissance missions and coordinated strikes. Proper reportedly admitted to planning the attack with others in the group, though he initially claimed his intention was to attend a protest. The FBI’s interrogation revealed that he had identified several other members, who were then swiftly investigated and arrested. The case underscores the group’s potential for organized violence and their reliance on digital communication to coordinate efforts.

Background and Online Recruitment

Proper’s engagement with the radical group began in March 2026 when he joined “Vanguard of the Old” via TikTok. The group, which emphasized ultra-religious and antigovernment sentiments, was linked to broader frustrations with government policies, including the handling of the Epstein files and the impact of data centers on local communities. Members expressed a vision of a society restructured through upheaval, with some advocating for the destruction of the current political system. The FBI’s affidavit notes that Proper’s interactions with the group intensified as he transitioned from public social media to private messaging platforms, where discussions became more focused on execution plans.

Psychological and Behavioral Indicators

Proper was taken to a local hospital by police on June 10 after exhibiting signs of homicidal ideations. The complaint states that he had been identified as a risk to public safety due to his intentions and preparations. His mother later confirmed that he had begun interacting with an online collective claiming to be ex-military and Christian-based, which further fueled his extremist views. The group’s rhetoric, as described in the complaint, included grievances about government corruption and a belief that certain elites prioritize their own interests over the public good.

Broader Implications for Security Measures

The case has raised questions about the effectiveness of current security protocols for high-profile events. Officials note that Proper’s use of both drones and firearms highlighted the evolving nature of threats to national landmarks. The FBI’s ability to uncover the plot through digital surveillance underscores the importance of monitoring online activity for signs of radicalization. While Proper has not yet entered a plea, the charges against him and his co-conspirators indicate a serious intent to carry out the attack. CNN has contacted an attorney representing Proper for additional statements, but no further details have been released as of now.

Community Impact and Public Reaction

The incident has sparked discussions about the role of social media in spreading extremist ideologies and the potential for young individuals to become radicalized. Proper’s case is seen as a reminder of how quickly plans can develop in the digital age, with families often being the first to notice unusual behavior. The discovery of tactical maps and weaponized gear at his home has also highlighted the need for enhanced surveillance of individuals with access to critical infrastructure or event locations. As the investigation continues, authorities remain focused on preventing similar threats in the future.