Ohio Teen Built Arsenal in Alleged Plot to Attack White House UFC Event
Court records have revealed the extent of a massive weapons arsenal allegedly assembled by a 19-year-old Ohio man as part of a conspiracy to attack the White House during the UFC Freedom 250 event on June 14, 2026. The plot was foiled after the suspect’s mother alerted authorities, leading to the arrest of at least seven defendants, according to Fox News.
The Alleged Arsenal
Tycen Proper, of Knox County, Ohio, allegedly spent approximately $3,000 of his graduation money building a stockpile that included an AR-15 rifle with a red dot sight and magnifier, a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun painted with an American flag, more than 1,000 rounds of 5.56 ammunition, and 13 loaded AR-15 magazines. The arsenal also included three plate carriers loaded with .308-rated ballistic plates, a tactical bump helmet, a battle belt with loaded ammunition pouches, multiple knives, a hatchet, two tactical headsets, and extensive medical trauma gear.
All items were stored at a family member’s home, according to a report from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
How the Plot Unraveled
The FBI first learned about the attack plot on June 10, 2026, after Proper’s mother contacted authorities, alarmed by her son’s firearms purchases and secretive online communications. According to court documents obtained by Fox News, she told a 911 dispatcher: “We took all the guns and ammo out of his room and got it off our property. He just came inside, and he’s probably going to discover it’s not in his room.”
Proper’s father told law enforcement that his son had quit his job to meet up with people he met online, who conducted “missions” and “recons” together. When confronted, Proper allegedly said the group planned to conduct “hit and run missions,” which his mother interpreted as planning shootings.
The Broader Conspiracy
The alleged conspirators reportedly met through a TikTok community called “Vanguard of the Old,” where participants shared workout videos and tactical content before moving to encrypted Signal and Telegram chats. According to Fox News, the alleged plan involved using explosive-laden drones to trigger a mass evacuation of the June 14 event, then directing fleeing crowds toward prepositioned shooters. A “second wave” was expected to target the White House gate.
At least seven defendants have been publicly identified, including alleged ringleader Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, whom DHS confirmed is a Mexican illegal immigrant. Proper’s phone contained a primary Signal chat with approximately 19 alleged participants, along with smaller operational chat groups organized by role and location.
The Event That Was Targeted
UFC Freedom 250 was held on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14-15, 2026, featuring Ultimate Fighting Championship matches hosted by President Donald Trump as part of his 80th birthday celebration. The event drew significant attention and a large crowd, making it a high-profile target.
FBI Deputy Director Chris Raia confirmed that initial arrests targeted the individuals investigators viewed as the most dangerous members of the alleged conspiracy. “We made a bunch of probable cause arrests before the (UFC) event, we assured the event was safe,” Raia told Fox News. “We were watching a whole bunch of others to ensure that nobody had come to DC. But we’re continuing to make those cases.”
Analysis: The Role of Family Intervention
Retired FBI officials have praised Proper’s mother for her courage in coming forward. Retired FBI Supervisory Agent Rob Chadwick called her actions “courageous,” noting that “that’s what it’s going to take, this type of surveillance or awareness of what is happening around you, understanding we are in the unprecedented time of political violence.”
The case highlights the growing threat of domestic terrorism plots coordinated through online platforms and encrypted messaging apps. Investigators are also examining whether members of the group discussed a potential future attack targeting a FIFA World Cup match scheduled for July 3 in Kansas City, Missouri.
What’s Next
The defendants face charges including conspiracy to commit murder, with additional charges likely to follow as the investigation continues. The case underscores both the critical role of family members in identifying potential threats and the significant challenges law enforcement faces in monitoring encrypted communications used by extremist networks.