Eight Indicted in Foiled Sniper Plot at White House Event

A federal grand jury in Columbus, Ohio, indicted eight men on Thursday on charges of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder on federal territory, in connection with a foiled plot to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event held at the White House on June 14. The alleged plan involved explosive-laden drones and snipers targeting President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Elon Musk, according to the Justice Department.

The Indictment

The two-count indictment, returned on July 9, replaces earlier criminal complaints filed across multiple jurisdictions. All eight defendants now face a unified prosecution in Ohio. Conspiring to provide material support to terrorists carries a maximum sentence of 15 years, while conspiracy to commit murder on federal territory carries a potential penalty of up to life in prison.

The eighth defendant, Chandler D. Scaggs, 21, of Chapmanville, West Virginia, was arrested by the FBI in early July. Scaggs was allegedly assigned to serve as one of the snipers in the plotted attack, according to the Associated Press.

The Alleged Plot

According to the indictment, the conspiracy began in May 2026, when the defendants started amassing money, firearms, ammunition, body armor, explosives, drones, medical equipment, and communications gear. The plan called for a multi-phase attack: explosive-laden drones would be flown into the north side of the event, and as panicked attendees fled south, snipers positioned there would open fire on the crowd.

Prosecutors allege the group created a tier system to classify participants, with “tier one” conspirators committing to “put themselves in harm’s way, break the law, and potentially go into hiding.” The defendants also engaged in marksmanship and combat training, identified targets, and developed operational plans for the attack and subsequent escape.

How the Plot Was Foiled

The investigation began on June 10 — just four days before the event — when Tycen C. Proper’s mother contacted the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. She expressed concern about her 19-year-old son’s recent firearms purchases, including a shotgun, rifle, ammunition, and ballistic plates, as well as his online communications with strangers expressing ultra-religious and anti-government sentiments. Proper had quit his job and spent $3,000 of his graduation money on equipment.

Proper was hospitalized for homicidal ideations, and the FBI interviewed him on June 11, leading to a broader investigation. Seven suspects were arrested across five states shortly after June 10, while the event proceeded as scheduled with the suspects under surveillance. As Fox News reported, the eighth suspect, Scaggs, was arrested in West Virginia after allegedly indicating to the group that he was still willing to participate in the attack even after Proper’s arrest.

The Defendants

The eight men charged range in age from 19 to 32 and hail from six states. In addition to Proper and Scaggs, the defendants include Abraham H. Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, identified as an alleged ringleader; Michael A. Thomas, 32, of Pinon Hills, California; Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, of Hamilton, Missouri; William L.S. Falkner, 21, of Belfair, Washington; Jordan W. Rincker, 28, of St. Joseph, Missouri; and Bryan O. Roa, 25, of Calimesa, California.

According to The Guardian, the group coordinated through encrypted messaging platforms including Signal, SimpleX, Discord, and a TikTok group called “Vanguard of the Old.” They held fringe anti-government conspiracy theories and expressed a desire to “tear down” the United States so it could be rebuilt.

Family Warnings and Community Vigilance

Authorities have emphasized that the plot was uncovered largely due to family members recognizing warning signs. Proper’s mother contacted police after observing his concerning behavior, while Roa’s family noted his increased time shooting weapons, anxiety, irritation, and seclusion in the months prior. Roa, an amateur MMA fighter, told his family that “something big” would happen in Washington, D.C.

As ABC News reported, Joseph Patituce, an attorney representing Proper, said his client will enter a not guilty plea, asking the public to “keep an open mind and remember that he is 19 years old, the youngest of any person charged here.”

Analysis and Implications

This case represents one of the most serious domestic terror threats against the White House in recent years. The use of encrypted messaging apps such as Signal and SimpleX highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in monitoring extremist communications. The defendants’ ages — all between 19 and 32 — are consistent with broader patterns of online radicalization of young men through mainstream platforms.

The FBI has indicated that the investigation remains ongoing, with additional arrests possible. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

What’s Next

The case will proceed in federal court in the Southern District of Ohio. The indictment consolidates charges that were previously spread across multiple districts, streamlining the prosecution. Legal experts will be watching to see how the case handles the complex web of encrypted communications evidence and whether any defendants seek plea agreements.

As authorities continue their investigation, the case serves as a stark reminder of the critical role that community vigilance — and particularly family members who recognize warning signs — plays in preventing domestic terror attacks.