Federal law enforcement officials discovered an alleged plot to attack the White House during a UFC Freedom 250 event after receiving a phone call from a concerned mother, according to an FBI criminal complaint filed in federal court. Five men have been arrested in connection with what authorities describe as a plan involving exploding drones and sniper rifles.
Tycen Proper, 19 years old, was taken into custody on June 10 after officers responded to his home following a call from his mother reporting a disturbance, according to the complaint. His mother told police she was concerned about her son's recent conduct, including firearms purchases and communications with certain individuals online. The father told investigators that Proper had recently met random people online and had been planning reconnaissance missions with these individuals.
The FBI alleges the group was motivated by grievances over government handling of the Epstein files, data center operations, and other perceived government actions. According to the complaint, members expressed ultra-religious and anti-government sentiments, believing the United States needed to be torn down so it could be rebuilt.
What the Right Is Saying
Republican officials, particularly those named as targets in the alleged plot, have condemned the scheme while cautioning against politicizing the investigation. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), one of the named targets, thanked law enforcement through a statement and said her thoughts were with the families affected by what she called a serious security threat.
Conservative commentators have focused on the role of online platforms in facilitating radicalization. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) has renewed calls for hearings on how Discord and other social media companies allow extremist groups to organize. Several Republican lawmakers noted that the case involved individuals allegedly motivated by grievances about government actions, arguing it demonstrates the importance of maintaining trust between citizens and institutions.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic lawmakers and civil liberties advocates have pointed to this case as evidence of the dangers posed by online radicalization and extremist rhetoric. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, noted that the case demonstrates how quickly online conspiracies can translate into real-world plotting. The FBI's quick action prevented potential mass casualties at a high-profile public event.
Progressives have also used the occasion to renew calls for stronger red flag laws and increased monitoring of domestic extremism. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) said on social media that the case underscores the need for law enforcement resources focused on homegrown extremist threats. Groups including the Southern Poverty Law Center argue that anti-government rhetoric increasingly online creates fertile ground for such plots.
What the Numbers Show
Five men have been charged in connection with the alleged plot. The criminal complaint details firearms purchases made by Proper in the weeks leading up to his arrest. FBI Task Force Officer Christopher Betts filed the complaint, which outlines an extensive investigation including interviews with family members, analysis of electronic communications, and physical surveillance.
The named targets included five Republican elected officials: Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Jim Justice (R-WV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Representative Carol Miller (R-WV), and Representative Riley Moore (R-WV). The complaint states that group members believed these politicians were compromised by Israel. Court documents indicate investigators recovered maps of locations northwest of Washington, D.C., as well as images and Discord messages exchanged between co-conspirators.
The Bottom Line
The case now moves to federal court where prosecutors will need to prove the defendants had concrete plans and means to carry out an attack. Defense attorneys have not yet publicly responded to the charges. A preliminary hearing date has not been set, and no trial date has been established.
Law enforcement officials say the case highlights how tips from family members remain a critical tool in preventing attacks before they occur. The FBI declined additional comment beyond the filed complaint. Congressional offices for the targeted lawmakers have not indicated whether they will request enhanced security measures following the disclosure of the alleged plot.