The FBI says it disrupted an alleged plot to attack UFC Freedom 250 at the White House with small drones carrying explosives, targeting one of the most tightly controlled swaths of airspace in the United States.
The mixed martial arts event took place on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14, 2026, during a celebration tied to President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Court filings unsealed on June 16 describe an alleged plan to use small unmanned aircraft carrying explosives to attack the UFC arena, then shoot attendees and “high value targets” as they fled.
According to an FBI affidavit filed in federal court in Ohio, investigators learned of the threat on June 10 after the mother of 19-year-old Tycen Proper contacted local law enforcement about his recent firearms purchases and online communications.
Proper has been charged in the Southern District of Ohio with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, attempted murder of a federal officer or employee, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and receipt or transfer of a firearm used to commit a felony.
The affidavit says Proper admitted to investigators that he had been planning with others to carry out a coordinated attack against the US government during the UFC event on the White House lawn.
The alleged plan called for members of the group to gather in Fredericksburg, Virginia, before traveling to Washington, DC. Some members would stage a demonstration on the north side of the White House while others launched small drones carrying unspecified explosive devices over the north side of the UFC arena, according to the affidavit.
The explosions were allegedly intended to force the crowd to evacuate to the south. Other members of the group would then act as snipers and shooters near the evacuation route, according to the affidavit.
The FBI said investigators found Signal chats on Proper’s phone containing imagery and maps of the aera, including alleged sniper locations, possible drone launch locations and other tactical planning documents.
The complaint says a larger Signal chat included about 19 people, with smaller groups organized by role and location. Investigators also found discussions about a possible safe house and escape routes, including a plan to retreat from the White House toward the Potomac River.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau and its law enforcement partners became aware of the threat on June 10 and stopped the alleged planned attacks through a multi-state operation.
“Multiple individuals are now in custody and allegedly planned attacks were stopped cold,” Patel said in a statement.
A law enforcement official told the Associated Press that five people had been arrested in states including Ohio, Missouri and California. Fox News said 23 people had been identified as part of a broader network of alleged plotters.
The US Secret Service also confirmed it worked with the FBI on the investigation. Secret Service Deputy Director Matt Quinn described the case as “a serious threat,” but said the event itself was not at risk because authorities intervened before the event.
The National Capital Region is governed by a Special Flight Rules Area within 30 miles of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), with a 15-mile inner ring where unmanned aircraft operations are prohibited without specific FAA authorization.
The White House sits inside that inner ring, making unauthorized drone operations near the complex illegal even without the added restrictions around a presidential event.
The alleged plot underscores why drones are now a major security concern at large public events. In this case, prosecutors say the drones were not meant for surveillance. They were allegedly intended to carry explosives and force people toward waiting shooters.
Authorities have not said whether the suspects had obtained drones or explosives, and the affidavit does not state how close the group came to carrying out the plan. The investigation remains active.
President Trump, who attended the UFC event, told reporters at the G7 summit in France that he had not been briefed on the alleged plot.