FBI Disrupts Alleged Drone and Sniper Attack Plot at White House UFC Event
In brief
- Five men arrested in alleged plot involving explosive drones and sniper fire at White House UFC event.
- Attack plan: drones to drive attendees from venue, followed by sniper fire targeting politicians and high-value targets.
- UFC Freedom 250 drew President Trump, VP Vance, Meta CEO Zuckerberg, and other high-profile attendees.
- Investigation began after suspect's family reported concerning behavior and firearms purchases to law enforcement.
- Federal officials confirmed the event itself was never at risk due to investigation and law enforcement response.
The Alleged Plot
FBI Director Kash Patel stated that on June 10, the FBI and law enforcement partners became aware of a potential threat to the UFC America 250 event. Members of a TikTok group called "Vanguard of the Old" began communicating in March before moving discussions to Signal. The group planned to meet in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and travel to Washington, D.C., where drones carrying explosives would detonate over the UFC venue.
According to the complaint, the plan was for members to act as snipers and additional shooters, preferably with long guns, staged at or near the southern evacuation point. Proper allegedly told investigators the goal was to "jump-start" a revolution in the United States.
Investigators recovered discussions involving sniper positions, drone launch sites, escape routes, safe houses, and other operational planning materials. The group's grievances included complaints about government corruption, the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, and the spread of AI data centers.
How the Investigation Unfolded
The investigation began after Proper's family contacted law enforcement about his recent behavior, firearms purchases, and online activity. According to Proper's mother, the group included members who claimed to be ex-military and Christian-based. She stated that online individuals were using religion to manipulate and influence her son.
Event Details and Crypto Connection
The UFC Freedom 250 event drew thousands of high-profile spectators including President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and members of Congress. The event also served as a showcase for the crypto industry, with sponsorships and promotions including a $1 million CRO token bonus pool and $250,000 in USD1 stablecoins.
Federal officials stated that the UFC Freedom 250 event itself was never at risk because of the investigation and law enforcement response. The rapid multi-state operation resulted in multiple arrests and prevented the alleged attacks from proceeding.
