Mother’s Alert Helps Thwart Alleged Attack on UFC Event at White House

A mother’s vigilance may have prevented a potential attack on a UFC event at the White House. Court documents reveal Tycen Proper, a 19-year-old from Ohio, was charged in connection with a plot to target the UFC Freedom 250 event held on June 14 on the White House South Lawn. His mother’s concerns about his behavior led to an investigation.

Federal authorities claim Proper was part of a group planning to use explosive-laden drones, sniper positions, and coordinated attacks at the event. The plan was unraveled after Proper’s mother noticed her son’s sudden interest in firearms, tactical gear, and suspicious online activities.

She observed Proper researching locations in Washington, D.C., and receiving maps and images through text messages and Discord. When confronted, Proper allegedly mentioned planning ‘recon’ and ‘hit and run missions.’ Proper’s mother interpreted these activities as intentions for shootings and contacted the authorities.

The FBI investigation uncovered communications on Proper’s phone discussing attack plans for the UFC event using drones and shooters positioned strategically. Proper admitted involvement in these planning discussions. His father also informed deputies about Proper’s online interactions with a group claiming to be former military personnel and identifying as Christian-based.

The family turned over firearms and tactical gear bought with approximately $3,000 from Proper’s graduation money. Local authorities notified the FBI, leading to the review of encrypted Signal chats that detailed the planned attacks.

Jason Pack, a retired FBI agent, emphasized the significance of family members reporting suspicious behavior. He credited the alerted mother’s actions as pivotal in disrupting the plot.

Rob Chadwick, a retired FBI supervisory agent, commended the mother’s courage in reporting her son, highlighting the need for awareness in today’s climate of political violence.