The FBI has announced the foiling of a sophisticated attack plot targeting the Ultimate Fighting Championship event held on the South Lawn of the White House on June 10, 2026. The event, which commemorated the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and coincided with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthdaywas attended by senior Republican lawmakers, donors, and administration officials.
The plot, which involved using explosive-laden drones to strike the north side of the White House, was allegedly orchestrated by a group of individuals subscribing to anti-government conspiracy theories. The plan aimed to create chaos by funneling attendees toward an exit where snipers were reportedly poised to open fire on fleeing politicians and others.
The Unfolding of the Plot
The FBI became aware of the potential threat on June 10days before the event. The agency, in collaboration with other law enforcement partners, conducted a multistate operation that led to the arrest of five individuals. Among those arrested was 19-year-old Tycen Properwhose mother alerted local police in Ohio after noticing her son’s concerning online interactions and recent weapons purchases.
Proper later admitted to FBI agents that he was aware of a planned coordinated attack on the UFC event. The group’s motives included anger over the handling of investigative files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epsteinas well as targeting lawmakers who had received campaign donations from pro-Israel groups.
Key Figures and Statements
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the agency’s awareness of the threat in a statement posted on X. He emphasized the rapid action taken by the FBI and its partners to prevent the alleged attacks. “On June 10, FBI and our law enforcement partners became aware of a potential threat to the UFC America 250 event in Washington, D.C. involving individuals outside of the National Capital Region,” Patel stated.
Vice President JD Vance highlighted the complexity and coordination behind the plot. In a Fox News interview, Vance stated, “Twenty-three people do not get to the point where they’re going to commit a mass terror incident in Washington, D.C. without some serious funding, without some serious coordination.” He further emphasized the coordinated nature of the plot, stating, “That’s not a few guys doing crazy stuff, that is a coordinated planned terrorist plot.”
President Trump’s Response
President Trump, who was attending the Group of Seven summit in Evian, France at the time, expressed his unawareness of the planned attack. The event on the White House lawn proceeded without incident, thanks to the timely intervention of law enforcement agencies.
The five individuals charged in the plot face serious allegations, including conspiracy to commit murderconspiracy to commit an offense against the United Statesand various weapons offenses. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities delving into the underground networks that facilitated such a coordinated effort.
