COLUMBUS — A federal grand jury in Columbus, Ohio, indicted eight men on July 10, 2026, on charges related to an alleged plot to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House. The indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder on federal government territory and to murder a federal government official.

The U.S. Department of Justice stated that the defendants allegedly planned to murder U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, U.S. officials, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Elon Musk, and other high-value targets. The UFC Freedom 250 event took place at the White House on June 15, 2026, and Trump attended the event, though Netanyahu did not.

The alleged plot involved using explosive-laden drones to strike the north side of the White House to funnel attendees toward an exit where snipers planned to open fire. According to a federal affidavit, the defendants began acquiring firearms, ammunition, body armor, explosives, drones, communications equipment, and medical supplies in May 2026.

The defendants are Tycen C. Proper, 19, of Danville, Ohio; Chandler D. Scaggs, 21, of Chapmanville, West Virginia; Bryan O. Roa, 25, of Calimesa, California; Michael A. Thomas, 32, of Pinon Hills, California; Abraham H. Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska; Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, of Hamilton, Missouri; William L. S. Falkner, 21, of Belfair, Washington; and Jordan W. Rincker, 28, of St. Joseph, Missouri. Scaggs was arrested in West Virginia earlier in the week of July 10, 2026.

Law enforcement officials learned of a possible threat to the UFC event on June 10, 2026. The investigation began after the family of one of the alleged conspirators contacted law enforcement regarding concerns about his behavior and firearms purchases. Court documents state that Michael A. Thomas described himself to investigators as the planner and advisor for the group. If convicted, the defendants face up to 15 years in prison for conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and up to life in prison for conspiracy to commit murder.