Family members of suspects in an alleged plot to attack the White House UFC event reported warning signs—concerning online communications, behavioral changes and large weapons purchases—before federal authorities intervened. Bryan Omar Roa and Tycen Proper are among five people charged; prosecutors say the group planned to use explosive-laden drones to create chaos and then attack fleeing crowds. Investigations are ongoing and all defendants are presumed innocent.
Relatives Raised Alarms Before Feds Say They Foiled Alleged White House UFC Attack
Tycen Proper, Bryan Omar Roa and Michael Alan Thomas were among those arrested for their alleged involvement in the plot.(AP Newsroom)
Family members of two men charged in an alleged plot to attack the White House UFC event reported warning signs to authorities before the scheme was disrupted, according to federal complaints. Relatives say they noticed troubling online communications, a sudden change in behavior, and a large cache of weapons acquired by one suspect.
Who Was Involved
Federal court documents name Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of Calimesa, California, and Tycen Proper, 19, of Danville, Ohio, among five people charged in connection with an alleged conspiracy to target U.S. officials and attendees at the UFC Freedom 250 event near the White House. Additional defendants identified by the Justice Department include Michael Alan Thomas, Daniel K. Eskridge and Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez.
Family Warnings and Early Contacts With Law Enforcement
According to the Central District of California complaint, Roa told a relative he planned to travel to Washington, D.C., and that "something big" would happen. Relatives reported he had been spending unusually large amounts of time shooting weapons, withdrawing socially and associating with a new group of online contacts. Roa reportedly left home on June 10 and later returned; family members considered calling police but did not do so before his return.
On the same day, Knox County deputies in Ohio responded to a call from Proper’s mother expressing alarm about his recent firearms purchases and online activity. Deputies contacted Proper, and prosecutors say he was taken to a local hospital amid reported homicidal ideation. Family members told officers Proper had acquired camping gear, ballistic plates, rifles, a shotgun, magazines and substantial ammunition—equipment he allegedly bought with about $3,000 in graduation money and later voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement.
Alleged Plot Details
Federal complaints allege the suspects planned to use drones laden with explosives to create panic near the north side of the event, then position shooters and snipers to fire as crowds evacuated. Investigators say the group discussed tiered roles—shooters, drone operators, drivers, logistics support and social media promotion—while communicating over encrypted messaging apps about tactics, roles and escape routes.
Charges and Status
Roa and Michael Thomas were charged in the Central District of California with conspiracy to commit murder. Proper faces multiple charges in the Southern District of Ohio, including conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, attempted murder of a U.S. officer or employee, and weapons offenses. Eskridge and Alvarez face related charges in Missouri and Nebraska. Federal authorities and the Justice Department have declined further comment while investigations continue. As with any criminal complaint, these are allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Note: Investigations remain active. Officials say tips from family members and local welfare checks helped draw FBI attention to the suspects.
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