Terrorism Charges Filed Against Eight Suspects in White House UFC Event Sniper Plot
8 indicted in planned sniper attack – Justice Department authorities have formally charged eight individuals with terrorism-related offenses stemming from an alleged conspiracy to assassinate prominent American leaders during a major sporting event at the presidential residence. The targets included President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and technology billionaire Elon Musk, who were all scheduled to attend the UFC Freedom 250 celebration held at the White House approximately one month ago. These defendants appeared together in court on Thursday, facing a two-count indictment issued by federal prosecutors in Ohio.
Details of the Federal Indictment
According to the Justice Department, the eight accused individuals engaged in multiple conspiratorial activities. They allegedly conspired to provide material support to terrorists, planned to commit murder on federal territory, and coordinated efforts to assassinate federal government officials. The charges represent a significant escalation in the government’s response to what prosecutors describe as a well-organized threat against national leadership.
Law enforcement officials first became aware of the potential danger to the cage-fighting exhibition on June 10, merely four days before the scheduled event. Following this initial warning, authorities moved quickly to apprehend seven of the suspects across various locations throughout the United States. The eighth defendant, who was reportedly designated to serve as the sniper during the planned attack, was taken into custody by the FBI this week in West Virginia.
Defendants and Investigation Origins
The federal case originated from an initial investigation and criminal complaint filed against Tycen C. Proper, a 19-year-old resident of Danville, Ohio. The remaining defendants named in the indictment include Michael Alan Thomas, age 32; Daniel K. Eskridge, 32; Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31; Jordan W. Rincker, 28; Bryan Omar Roa, 25; William Lee Spartacus Falkner, 21; and Chandler D. Scaggs, 21.
Prosecutors revealed that the conspiracy began taking shape in May when the group started accumulating essential resources for their planned operation. According to federal authorities, the suspects gathered money, firearms, ammunition, body armor, explosives, drones, medical supplies, and communications equipment. This systematic preparation suggests a deliberate and methodical approach to their intended attack.
Coordination and Conspiracy Theories
The suspects maintained regular communication through multiple digital platforms, including an encrypted Signal chat, Discord servers, and a TikTok group known as “Vanguard of the Old.” Authorities noted that the group subscribed to fringe anti-government conspiracy theories and harbored a strong desire to “tear down” the United States so it could be rebuilt according to their vision.
One particularly notable development involved Chandler D. Scaggs, who was originally intended to be transported to Washington, D.C., by Proper. Even after Proper’s arrest, Scaggs communicated to the group that he remained committed to participating in the attack and arranged for an alternative co-conspirator to pick him up. This persistence demonstrated the group’s determination to proceed with their plans despite setbacks.
The group held fringe anti-government conspiracy theories and expressed a desire to “tear down” the United States so it could be rebuilt, prosecutors noted.
The successful prevention of this attack highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation and intelligence gathering. Federal authorities were able to identify the threat, track the suspects’ activities, and execute coordinated arrests before the event took place. The indictment represents not only a victory for national security but also a warning to others who might consider similar actions against American leadership.
As the legal proceedings continue, all eight defendants face serious consequences if convicted on the terrorism charges. The case underscores the ongoing vigilance required to protect high-profile figures and maintain security at major public events in the nation’s capital.
