The Washington Post reports that eight men from six states allegedly planned to attack President Trump’s June 14 UFC event using explosive-filled drones launched over the White House. A tip from the mother of 19-year-old Tycen Proper — who allegedly heard him say he needed to "deal with the evil government" — helped alert authorities and unravel the plot. Prosecutors say the scheme included staging a demonstration to funnel evacuees toward sniper positions, though the conspirators reportedly struggled to raise funds. All defendants have pleaded not guilty and the case is ongoing.
Thwarted Drone Plot Targeting Trump’s UFC Event: How a Worried Mom and an Infant‑Sacrifice Conspiracy Helped Unravel the Scheme
The arena is seen on the South Lawn of the White House from the Washington Monument ahead of the UFC Freedom 250 fight on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Washington. (Win McNamee/Pool Photo via AP)
Federal prosecutors say eight men from six states allegedly conspired to attack President Donald Trump's June 14 UFC Freedom 250 event at or near the White House using drones packed with explosives. The plot — detailed in a Washington Post investigation and first reported on Mediaite — reportedly began to come apart when the mother of one suspect overheard a phone call and alerted law enforcement.
How the plot allegedly developed
According to court filings reviewed by The Washington Post, the group initially connected online, reportedly through TikTok, and discussed staging a demonstration on the north side of the White House. Prosecutors say the plan included flying explosive-laden drones overhead to trigger evacuations, then funneling people into prearranged sniper positions.
Tip from a worried mother
Investigators say the officer who received the tip learned that the Ohio mother of 19-year-old Tycen Proper — identified as the youngest alleged participant — overheard him on the phone. When she asked what he was talking about, he allegedly said he needed to "deal with the evil government," which prompted her to contact authorities. That tip is credited with helping to unravel the purported scheme.
Practical obstacles and alarming claims
The alleged conspirators also struggled to fund the plot. A California defendant, Michael Thomas, 32, is quoted in filings as saying the drones would cost about $1,300 and that he was "flat broke," even suggesting he might panhandle to raise money. The filings also report that Thomas and others discussed a fringe belief that the U.S. government is controlled by an "elite group of individuals who sacrifice and consume infants."
Charges and legal status
Federal prosecutors have charged eight men from six states with a range of offenses, including conspiracy. All defendants have pleaded not guilty, and the cases remain pending. As with any indictment, the allegations are unproven and the defendants are entitled to due process.
Context and caution
The Washington Post's reporting is based on court records and interviews; Mediaite carried an earlier summary. This article uses language such as "alleged" and "reportedly" to reflect that the matter is before the courts and that the government’s assertions have not been proven in trial.
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