WASHINGTON, D.C. — FBI Director Kash Patel announced Tuesday that federal law enforcement disrupted an alleged plot targeting a UFC event at the White House. Court documents unsealed the same day charged Tycen Proper, a 19-year-old from Ohio, with multiple felonies, including conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States.

Investigators stated that the alleged plot involved explosive drones targeting buildings near the White House and shooters targeting evacuating crowds. A search of Proper's phone revealed encrypted group chats that outlined a Washington, D.C. attack with multiple unnamed participants. Law enforcement records indicate Proper identified Senator Marsha Blackburn and multiple West Virginia Republican lawmakers as targets in online messages, and the criminal complaint alleges Proper discussed targeting lawmakers who receive pro-Israel political donations in encrypted messages.

The investigation began on June 10 after Proper's mother contacted authorities regarding his firearms purchases and online activity. Authorities later located thousands of rounds of ammunition and two rifles at Proper's Ohio home. His family voluntarily surrendered these items to authorities.

Some Secret Service personnel stated that Patel disclosed details of a sealed investigation before coordinated agency communication occurred. President Donald Trump, who was attending the Group of Seven summit in Evian, France, stated he had not received information about the disrupted plot. The UFC event was held on the White House South Lawn as part of President Trump's 80th birthday celebrations.

Patel said, "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. Thanks to the rapid action of this FBI, our partners, and the Department of Justice in a multi-state operation, multiple individuals are now in custody and allegedly planned attacks were stopped cold." Vice President JD Vance said law enforcement is investigating the financial and logistical networks behind the alleged attack. He added, "Twenty-three people do not get to the point of committing a mass terror incident in Washington, D.C. without some serious funding, without some serious coordination."