Federal prosecutors have indicted eight men on conspiracy charges alleging they planned a drone and sniper attack targeting a UFC event held at the White House in June. According to the Justice Department, the alleged plot was disrupted before it could be carried out. The defendants face charges related to terrorism and murder conspiracy, and all are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Indictment
A federal grand jury in Ohio returned an indictment charging all eight defendants with participating in two separate conspiracies.
According to court records, the charges include conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder on federal government property, including the planned killing of a federal government official.
The indictment consolidates criminal cases that were previously filed in several federal districts into a single prosecution in Ohio.
Allegations
Federal prosecutors allege the group began planning the attack in May.
According to the indictment, investigators say the defendants acquired firearms, ammunition, body armor, explosives, drones, medical supplies, communications equipment, and other materials in preparation for the alleged attack.
Authorities have not publicly stated how close the group came to carrying out the alleged plan before it was disrupted.
Investigation
According to the Justice Department, law enforcement learned of a potential threat on June 10, four days before the UFC event, known as “Freedom 250,” was scheduled to take place at the White House.
Federal authorities subsequently announced criminal complaints in multiple states, including Ohio, Missouri, Washington, Nebraska, and California.
The new indictment combines those cases into one federal prosecution.
Evidence
According to a federal affidavit, one defendant told investigators the group intended to use explosive-laden drones during the event and then open fire as people attempted to flee.
Prosecutors also allege the defendants communicated through online chat groups, assigning participants to different roles and levels of involvement.
The indictment states that some members participated in firearms and combat training as part of the alleged conspiracy.
These allegations have been made by prosecutors and have not been proven in court.
Arrests
Among those charged is 19-year-old Tycen C. Proper of Danville, Ohio.
Federal authorities said several defendants were arrested during the weekend of the event in Missouri, Nebraska, and California.
Additional arrests followed in Washington and Missouri.
The eighth defendant, identified as 21-year-old Chandler D. Scaggs of Chapmanville, West Virginia, was arrested this week.
According to court documents, Scaggs was allegedly assigned to serve as one of the snipers in the planned attack.
His attorney, Eric Brehm, said the defense is reviewing the allegations and declined further comment.
Targets
Federal prosecutors allege the planned attack targeted several public figures attending the event.
According to the indictment, the alleged targets included President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, entrepreneur Elon Musk, and other individuals described by prosecutors as “high value targets.”
The government alleges the group believed the attack would destabilize the federal government.
Penalties
If convicted, the defendants face significant prison sentences.
Conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, while conspiracy to commit murder can carry a sentence of up to life imprisonment.
The case is expected to proceed in federal court in Ohio.
FAQs
How many people were indicted?
Eight men were indicted in the federal case.
Where was the indictment filed?
It was returned by a federal grand jury in Ohio.
What charges do they face?
Murder conspiracy and terrorism-related conspiracy charges.
When did authorities learn of the alleged plot?
According to prosecutors, on June 10.
Has anyone been convicted?
No. The allegations remain pending in court.
