Federal authorities have taken five individuals into custody across four states in connection with an alleged conspiracy to carry out a mass-casualty attack during the UFC Freedom 250 event held at the White House. The suspects allegedly coordinated their activities through social media platforms before transitioning to encrypted messaging applications, where prosecutors claim they developed detailed operational plans targeting government officials and event attendees. President Donald Trump and senior administration figures were present at the Sunday event.
The investigation reveals a disturbing pattern of online radicalization that evolved from casual social media interaction into what prosecutors describe as actionable threat planning. The case highlights growing concerns about how extremist networks form and operate in the digital age, utilizing mainstream platforms for initial contact before moving to secure channels for operational discussions.
Social media recruitment led to encrypted planning channels
According to federal court documents, the alleged conspirators first established contact around March through a TikTok community identified as “Vanguard of the Old.” Prosecutors state that participants in this group conducted vetting procedures that included sharing identification documents, workout videos, and tactical content before transitioning their communications to Signal, an encrypted messaging platform.
Court filings do not clarify whether “Vanguard of the Old” operated as a formal organization or functioned solely as an online chat community. The documents identify arrested individuals in Ohio, California, Missouri, and Nebraska, describing a network that allegedly progressed from theoretical discussions to concrete operational planning.
Investigators allege that once inside encrypted channels, members organized themselves according to a hierarchical structure with specific operational assignments. Court records describe Tier 1 members as frontline operators responsible for mission execution and acquiring firearms and body armor. Additional tiers included drone operators, getaway drivers, recruiters, logistics personnel, technical support staff, and social media advocates.
Alleged attack plans involved drones and coordinated shootings
Federal prosecutors allege the group developed plans to deploy explosive-laden drones as an initial tactic to trigger evacuation procedures at UFC Freedom 250. According to court documents, members allegedly intended to open fire on politicians and other targets as crowds fled the area following the drone attack.
- An Omaha, Nebraska resident known online as “Shepherd” allegedly served as the network’s leader and coordinated members across multiple states
- Investigators discovered Signal chats containing maps of Washington, D.C., proposed sniper positions, and drone launch sites
- The primary Signal chat contained approximately 19 participants, with smaller operational groups organized by role and location
- Members allegedly discussed targeting congressional figures, power infrastructure, and other political officials
Despite the alleged operational planning, some officials have downplayed the immediacy of the threat. Vice President JD Vance commented during an appearance on Fox News’ “The Five” that substantial security measures were in place and suggested the conspiracy had not advanced to an imminent stage. “There was a lot of security there. And it turns out the plot was like, not that advanced. They weren’t in town,” Vance stated.
Family tip triggered investigation in June
The investigation began on June 10 when the mother of Tycen Proper, a 19-year-old Ohio resident, contacted local authorities after becoming concerned about behavioral changes. Court records indicate Proper’s father told investigators his son had recently connected with individuals online and was planning reconnaissance activities with them, intending to travel that weekend to meet group members.
Family members reported that Proper allegedly purchased firearms, body armor, ammunition, and tactical gear, and had quit his job in preparation for what he described as “missions” and reconnaissance operations. After obtaining a search warrant for Proper’s phone, investigators allegedly discovered the Signal chats with detailed planning materials.
According to court documents, Proper told investigators he believed many network participants had prior military experience, and his mother reported that some members represented themselves online as former military personnel. However, the filings do not identify any defendant with verified military service. Court records repeatedly reference military-style training and organizational structures among the alleged conspirators.
Motivations centered on government corruption and foreign policy
Proper’s mother told investigators that group members allegedly expressed anger regarding government corruption and the Epstein files. Court records indicate members of the network allegedly believed the United States was headed in the wrong direction and needed to be “torn down” and rebuilt. Some participants allegedly argued that individuals connected to Jeffrey Epstein should not govern the country.
Prosecutors also allege that discussions increasingly focused on U.S. support for Israel and lawmakers viewed by group members as aligned with pro-Israel policies. The shift toward targeting the UFC Freedom 250 event appears to have been motivated by the high-profile nature of the gathering and the presence of senior government officials.
Inter-agency tensions emerged over public disclosure
Tensions surfaced between federal agencies regarding the decision to make the investigation public. Two senior U.S. officials told reporters that Secret Service leadership wanted to delay disclosing the probe until additional arrests could be completed, fearing premature publicity would alert other subjects and complicate ongoing investigative efforts.
The disagreement became public on Tuesday when Deputy Secret Service Director Matthew Quinn, responding to questions about the case at an unrelated event, emphasized that the Secret Service had “led that investigation from the beginning” and suggested investigators intentionally avoided public disclosure while the case remained active. “In order to maintain the integrity of the investigation and the security plan we chose not to leak it,” Quinn stated. “I’ll tell you a phrase I learned early in my career in the New York field office and that’s don’t choke on your own smoke.”
The investigation network allegedly extended beyond the five charged individuals. According to court records, Proper’s phone contained evidence of approximately 19 participants in the primary chat, along with smaller operational groups organized by specific roles and geographic locations. Federal authorities have not disclosed whether additional arrests are anticipated.
